YOKKAICHI, Mie -- "The man who killed Hiromi is walking free!" With a cry, the father of a 15-year-old girl murdered by a then-18-year-old high school student slammed his head against his car window, unable to contain his emotions.

Eleven years after the tragedy, Hiromi's 56-year-old father Satoru Terawa shared his anguish at a victim support meeting held at Yokkaichi Kita Police Station in the city of Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. The meeting, organized by officers and staff, aimed to deepen understanding of the support provided to victims and their families.

At the start of his address, Terawa expressed gratitude to the investigators and others involved in the case, though his voice occasionally faltered as he recounted the painful events that continue to haunt him.

Hiromi was attacked in August 2013 by the third-year high school student, and her body was later found in the prefectural town of Asahi. The perpetrator was sentenced to prison and was released on provisional parole in 2023.

The moment Terawa saw the killer walking free on the street remains seared into his memory. "Ah, what should I do?" he recalled thinking, as he struck his head against his car window to suppress his overwhelming emotions. Reflecting on that day, he said, "Emotional wounds never heal. I'm living a life of self-deception."

Terawa also highlighted the struggles victims' families often face. Official administrative documents use insensitive language, and relentless media coverage only deepens the pain. Adding to his frustration, the district parole board that approved the killer's release provided no explanation for its decision. In June, Terawa appealed to then-Justice Minister Ryuji Koizumi, urging the government to adopt a more compassionate approach toward the bereaved.

Determined to bring about change, Terawa has been advocating for broader implementation of ordinances supporting crime victims. In October 2022, all municipalities in Mie Prefecture enacted ordinances and guidelines ensuring victim support. Terawa hopes to see similar measures adopted nationwide.

"Nobody will be inconvenienced by these ordinances," he said. "My wish is for victims to receive support wherever they are -- every city, town, or village across the country."

(Japanese original by Ryoma Hara, Tsu Bureau)