Twelve years after the shocking murder of the president of Ōshō, a famous Japanese Shogi (Japanese chess) equipment company, the long-awaited first hearing is set to begin today. The case, plagued by accusations towards multiple suspects and delayed by lengthy investigations, has been a staple in Japanese news for over a decade. The resolution of this fateful case is hoped to finally bring justice to light.

In Japan, the murder case involving the head of the Ōshō company garners serious attention due to its rarity and notoriety. Hugely highlighted in the media, this case emphasizes the importance of justice in society and stimulates discussions around legal speed, prosecutorial strategies and social safety.

High-profile murder cases in the US or EU also often garner massive public attention and media coverage with speculation and anticipation towards legal proceedings. However, the length of the investigational process in this Japanese case contrasts with generally quicker judicial proceedings in the US and EU, highlighting differences in legal systems.