Family members and supporters gathered in Sagamihara City on Sunday to lay flowers for the victims of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en attack [1].
The ceremony marks 10 years since one of the most lethal attacks on a disability-care facility in Japanese history [1, 3]. The event serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of people with disabilities and the lasting trauma experienced by the survivors and their families.
On July 26, 2026, former staff member Sei Uematsu entered the facility and carried out a stabbing spree [1, 2]. The attack resulted in 19 deaths and left 26 others injured, totaling 45 victims [1]. Uematsu was later convicted of murder and sentenced to death [2].
Attendees at the memorial expressed a mixture of grief and resolve. One anonymous attendee said it is hollow that the event occurred 10 years ago [1]. Another attendee noted that their son was born on the day of the attack and said they want to convey to their son that they will live their lives together with effort [1].
Legal proceedings regarding the perpetrator have continued in the years following the conviction. The Yokohama District Court previously rejected a request for a re-trial filed by Uematsu [2].
The memorial service in Kanagawa Prefecture focused on remembrance and the commitment to protect the rights, and safety of those with disabilities. The facility continues to be a site of reflection for the community as they mark a decade since the violence [1, 3].
“19 deaths and left 26 others injured, totaling 45 victims”
The 10-year anniversary of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en attack highlights the intersection of hate crimes and disability rights in Japan. By focusing on the victims and the rejection of the perpetrator's legal appeals, the event reinforces a societal commitment to recognizing the inherent value of disabled individuals, who were specifically targeted in the 2016 massacre.
