12 years after the tragic murder of his grandmother, a Japanese man shares his transformative journey and its deep impact on his life. The unnamed individual reveals how this personal tragedy led to significant changes, shifting his perspective and altering his life course in profound ways. The event took place over a decade ago, with the perpetrator likely being someone they knew, it further underscores the long-lasting ripple effects violent crimes inflict on victims' family members.

In Japanese society, the family generally holds a central role in people's lives. The death of one member, especially under violent circumstances, can trigger significant emotional stress and life changes. Despite Japan’s historically low crime rate, crimes like this resonate deeply within communities. Society also places great emphasis on the omoiyari concept, empathy towards others affected by such events.

In the U.S. or the E.U., violent crime is unfortunately more frequent. The emotional aftermath for survivors and relatives is similar, but support structures vary. Therapy and support groups are common interventions, while in Japan such approaches may remain less common, leading to individuals often navigating their grief process in a more private way.