Mass Killing at House for the Disabled Shocks Japanese Society

Japanese society is hurt by the worst homicide case in post-war Japan - going counter to its worldwide repute as one of the safest of societies. Too bad it had to happen, of all places, at a house for the disabled where security is the imperative.

Two days after the incident, details of the happening are coming out. The victims were of ages 17-70 and were found all stabbed several times suggesting the criminal had had clear intent to kill.

Katsuhiko Yoneyama, chairman of the board of directors of the house, Tsukui Yamayuri En, met the press to express his condolences to the survivors of the victims, adding:

"I do entertain the strongest of angers and the deepest of sorrows over the loss of so many innocent people.

"I still cannot understand why our former staff had to commit such a ghastly crime."

Kaoru Irikura, director of Tsukui Yamayuri En, told the press:

"About the same time we were informed of his (Uematsu) letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I recall I was consulted by other members of our staff about his strange behaviors suggesting his plan to harm the residents.

"I asked him why he had to think that way. He said he was 'inclined to think that way' or something to such effect and did not convince me why."

Acts of terrorism are rampant around the world lately and, as some analysts imply, this case might remotely link to IS.

In my opinion, however, this appears more an act of insanity than anything else. The way of his speech, the letter to the Speaker, his twittering - all suggests that his sense of justice, fairness and normalcy had long left him. I wish to believe our society is not yet that far off-balance.

That said, I seriously wonder why the case couldn't be readily checked - after all those signals of his insanity.