[Breaking News]Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 21 Kyodo - Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi holds a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026, after the country hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009. (Kyodo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko meets with firefighters at a disaster-prevention center in Ryuo in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko meets with firefighters at a disaster-prevention center in Ryuo in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko waves upon arriving at a disaster-prevention center in Ryuo in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko (2nd from R) watches a resident playing boccia at a medical and welfare home in Maibara in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko (2nd from R) watches a resident playing boccia at a medical and welfare home in Maibara in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko watches a resident undergoing rehabilitation at a medical and welfare home in Maibara in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko plays boccia at a medical and welfare home in Maibara in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko plays boccia at a medical and welfare home in Maibara in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) is briefed about giant Lake Biwa catfish during a visit to Lake Biwa Museum in Kusatsu in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko (L) visits Lake Biwa Museum in Kusatsu in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko (2nd from L) is briefed about giant Lake Biwa catfish during a visit to Lake Biwa Museum in Kusatsu in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Princess Aiko in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko (L) visits Lake Biwa Museum in Kusatsu in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 21, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi is pictured before holding a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026. Earlier in the day, Japan hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009.

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi holds a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026, after the country hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009.

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi holds a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026, after the country hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009.

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi holds a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026, after the country hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009.

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi holds a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026, after the country hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009.

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiraguchi after execution

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi holds a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 21, 2026, after the country hanged Sunao Takami, who was convicted of killing five people in an arson attack on a pachinko parlor in the western Japanese city of Osaka in 2009.

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) visits a history museum in Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) visits a history museum in Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) visits a history museum in Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Prince Hisahito visits history museum in Hiroshima Pref.

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) visits a history museum in Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) is pictured after sawing a log during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (2nd from R) is briefed about how to prepare breakfast during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front, L) is taught how to saw a log during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) saws a log during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) prepares breakfast with boy scouts during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) prepares breakfast with boy scouts during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) watches a boy scout event during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) watches a boy scout event during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (C) waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito speaks at a ceremony for the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito speaks at a ceremony for the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (2nd from R) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (C) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (C) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (C) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito visits A-bomb-hit school in Hiroshima

Japan Prince Hisahito visits A-bomb-hit school in Hiroshima

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits a peace museum built at an elementary school in Hiroshima that survived the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing on Aug. 7, 2026, a day after the 81st anniversary of the attack on the western Japan city. The blast left about 400 students dead at the school. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito visits A-bomb-hit school in Hiroshima

Japan Prince Hisahito visits A-bomb-hit school in Hiroshima

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits a peace museum built at an elementary school in Hiroshima that survived the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing on Aug. 7, 2026, a day after the 81st anniversary of the attack on the western Japan city. The blast left about 400 students dead at the school. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito visits A-bomb-hit school in Hiroshima

Japan Prince Hisahito visits A-bomb-hit school in Hiroshima

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits a peace museum built at an elementary school in Hiroshima that survived the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing on Aug. 7, 2026, a day after the 81st anniversary of the attack on the western Japan city. The blast left about 400 students dead at the school. (Pool photo)