The Menacing Case of the Monster with 21 Faces

Summary

The video explores the mysterious case of 'The Monster with 21 Faces,' a criminal group that terrorized Japan in the 1980s by extorting candy manufacturers and poisoning products. The group’s antics were seemingly driven by chaos rather than any clear motive, with theories suggesting connections to past corporate wrongdoings, such as the Morinaga dry milk scandal. Despite extensive investigations, the identity of the criminals remains unsolved, with a key suspect, Manabu Miyazaki, never charged. The case ended with significant financial damage to the companies involved, but no one was ever brought to justice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Monster with 21 Faces' was an anonymous group responsible for a series of poisonings and extortion targeting major Japanese companies in the 1980s.
• 😀 The group's most notable incidents involved the poisoning of confectionery products from Glico and Morinaga, which led to widespread panic and significant financial losses.
• 😀 The motive behind the attacks is largely unknown, with theories ranging from revenge against corporations to chaotic acts of destruction.
• 😀 One theory suggests the group may have been motivated by a desire to seek revenge for the 1950s Morinaga dry milk scandal, in which over 12,000 infants were harmed by arsenic contamination.
• 😀 Despite the victims of the dry milk incident potentially seeking justice or revenge, the Monster with 21 Faces attacked multiple companies rather than focusing on just Morinaga.
• 😀 Authorities suspected a man named Manabu Miyazaki, a known criminal with ties to the yakuza, but no solid evidence linked him to the crimes.
• 😀 Miyazaki was involved in an attempted extortion where police chased a 'fox-eyed man' suspected of being part of the criminal operation, but he managed to escape.
• 😀 A police sketch of the suspect closely resembled Miyazaki, but after an investigation, charges were never brought against him due to a lack of evidence.
• 😀 Miyazaki later wrote a memoir, which became successful after the statute of limitations expired, though he never admitted to being involved with the Monster with 21 Faces.
• 😀 The case remains unsolved, with the identities of those behind the crimes still a mystery, and the group’s potential motives still open to speculation.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'Monster with 21 Faces' case?

The 'Monster with 21 Faces' refers to a Japanese criminal group responsible for extortion, food poisoning incidents, and threats sent to companies in the 1980s. The group gained notoriety for its anonymous, chaotic actions and was never caught, leaving the case unsolved.

Why did The Monster with 21 Faces target the food industry in Japan?

The group's targets were companies in the food industry, such as Glico and Morinaga, which were perceived as vulnerable. They used food products, like candy, to extort money from these companies and create widespread fear. The group's motivation seems to be a mix of financial gain and a desire for chaos.

How did the dry milk incident with Morinaga relate to the 'Monster with 21 Faces' case?

The dry milk incident involved Morinaga poisoning infants with arsenic in the 1950s, causing injuries and deaths. This incident may have inspired a desire for revenge against the company by some of the affected individuals. However, the 'Monster with 21 Faces' targeted the entire food industry, not just Morinaga.

What evidence was found linking Manabu Miyazaki to the 'Monster with 21 Faces' case?

Manabu Miyazaki was suspected of being involved after a police chase in 1984, where he was spotted near a drop-off point for extorted money. A sketch based on a description of him was released, leading to his identification. However, no direct evidence was found linking him to the poisonings, and charges were never filed.

What role did the police play in the investigation of the 'Monster with 21 Faces'?

The police were involved in attempting to track down the criminals, especially after the 1984 drop-off involving Miyazaki. However, their efforts were often unsuccessful, including a failed chase where they lost sight of the suspect. The investigation lacked crucial evidence, and the criminals evaded capture.

What was the impact of the 'Monster with 21 Faces' campaign on the Japanese economy?

The campaign caused significant financial losses for the targeted companies, including a 10% drop in sweets consumption across Japan. Morinaga, for example, suffered losses of up to 60% in sales. The overall effect was a blow to consumer confidence and the economy in the affected industries.

What did Manabu Miyazaki's memoir reveal about his life of crime?

Miyazaki's memoir detailed his criminal activities, including his involvement in anti-police actions and other crimes. While he confessed to several crimes in the book, he never admitted to being part of the 'Monster with 21 Faces' group, despite being linked to the case through the police sketch.

Why did the authorities never bring charges against Manabu Miyazaki despite his suspected involvement?

Miyazaki had a strong alibi, and no hard evidence was found to link him directly to the 'Monster with 21 Faces' crimes. The lack of conclusive proof meant that authorities could not charge him, even though he remained a prime suspect.

What was the final outcome of the 'Monster with 21 Faces' case?

The case remains unsolved, with no definitive identification of the individuals behind the extortion and food poisoning incidents. The statute of limitations for the case expired without anyone admitting to the crimes, leaving the group’s identity a mystery.

How did the hosts of the video perceive the 'Monster with 21 Faces' case?

The hosts, Ryan and Shane, approached the case with a mix of intrigue and humor. While Ryan expressed disappointment at the lack of closure, Shane humorously endorsed the group's actions, despite the criminal nature of their deeds. The tone was lighthearted, with an underlying fascination for the mystery.