Where Are They Now? Junko Furuta's Killers

Summary

This video discusses the haunting case of Junko Furuta, focusing on the four main criminals involved in her torture and murder. Despite their youth, the severity of their crime led to adult convictions. Hiroshi Miano, the mastermind, served 20 years and now lives under an alias. Joe Agura, renamed Joe Kamisaku, was re-arrested after release. Yushi Watanabe became a recluse, while Shinji Manato, previously Nobuharu Manato, remains active on social media, ignoring comments about his past. The video sheds light on their current lives and the ongoing quest for justice for Junko.

Takeaways

• 😨 The case of Junko Fuda remains a disturbing incident that continues to haunt many people due to the severity of the crime.
• 🤐 The identities of the four main criminals were initially protected as they were minors, but some media outlets revealed their names: Hiroshi Miyano, Joe Agura, Nobuharu Minato, and Yushi Watanabe.
• ⚖️ Despite the brutal nature of the crime, all the criminals pleaded guilty to bodily injury leading to death, and were tried as juveniles but convicted as adults.
• 😡 The sentences were relatively light: Hiroshi Miyano got 20 years, Nobuharu Minato 9 years, Joe Agura 8 years, and Yushi Watanabe 7 years in prison.
• 🧠 Hiroshi Miyano reportedly had a brain tumor in the frontal lobe, which might have influenced his psychopathic tendencies. He tried to escape his criminal past by changing his name and living a con man lifestyle.
• 🚔 Joe Agura (now Joe Kamisaku) resumed a life of crime after his release and was arrested for abduction and assault in 2004. He boasted about his past crimes while committing further offenses.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Yushi Watanabe has stayed out of the public eye since his release, becoming a hikikomori, a socially withdrawn individual, with no reported further crimes.
• 💻 Nobuharu Minato, now known as Shinji Minato, is active on Twitter, posting about conspiracy theories and global news. He faces constant public backlash for his involvement in Junko’s murder.
• 🥋 The criminals’ connection to the Yakuza is believed to have played a role in their light sentences and post-release activities.
• 🔗 Despite the passing of time, the heinous acts committed against Junko Fuda continue to resonate, and public demand for justice remains strong.

Q & A

Who were the main perpetrators involved in Junko Furuta's case?

The main perpetrators were Hiroshi Miyano (now Hiroshi Yokoyama), Joe Ogura (now Joe Kamisaku), Nobuharu Minato (now Shinji Minato), and Yasushi Watanabe.

What were the sentences given to the four criminals?

Hiroshi Miyano was sentenced to 20 years, Nobuharu Minato was sentenced to 9 years, Joe Ogura received an 8-year sentence, and Yasushi Watanabe served 7 years in prison.

How did the Japanese media handle the identity of the perpetrators?

Although their identities were initially protected due to them being minors at the time, some media outlets, such as Shukan Bunshun magazine, revealed their names due to the severity of the crime.

What has Hiroshi Miyano done since his release from prison?

After his release in 2009, Hiroshi Miyano changed his name to Yokoyama. He was involved in wire fraud and was arrested again in 2013 but released due to a lack of evidence. He also pursued kickboxing under an alias 'K' and tried to stay under the radar.

What actions has Joe Ogura taken after his release?

Joe Ogura, now Joe Kamisaku, was released in 1999. He reentered gang life, was arrested in 2004 for abduction and assault, and served another 4-year sentence. He has boasted about his involvement in Junko’s murder.

How has Yasushi Watanabe lived after serving his sentence?

Yasushi Watanabe has lived a reclusive life after his release, becoming a 'hikikomori,' which refers to individuals in Japan who completely withdraw from society.

What is known about Shinji Minato’s behavior after his release?

Shinji Minato is active on social media, frequently posting conspiracy theories. He was arrested again in 2018 for attacking a man but was put on probation. His social media accounts receive constant hate due to his involvement in Junko’s case.

Did the families of the perpetrators make any attempts at compensation?

Hiroshi Miyano's mother reportedly sent 50 million yen to Junko Furuta’s parents, and Joe Ogura’s father saved money for compensation, although Junko’s parents refused to accept it. However, Joe’s family eventually spent the savings on luxury items.

Why were the sentences for the perpetrators considered light?

The sentences were light due to the perpetrators being minors at the time of the crime. There is also speculation that their connections to the Yakuza played a role in their lenient punishments.

How has Junko Furuta's case impacted public sentiment in Japan?

The case still haunts people in Japan, with many expressing anger at the lack of justice and the lenient sentences for the perpetrators. The crime is remembered as one of the most brutal and horrifying in Japan's history.