In a tragic case that has sparked outrage and concern over police handling of domestic violence and stalking complaints, the body of 20-year-old Asahi Okazaki was discovered at the home of her ex-boyfriend, Hidemasa Shirai, in Kawasaki City. Shirai, 27, has been arrested on suspicion of abandoning the body, and as details emerge, questions are being raised about the adequacy of the Kanagawa Prefectural Police's response to Okazaki's prior reports of stalking and violence.
Okazaki's family has voiced their frustration, claiming that despite multiple consultations with the police regarding her ex-boyfriend's stalking behavior, their pleas went unheeded. According to reports, Okazaki had been in a tumultuous relationship with Shirai since spring 2024, which quickly turned violent. In September, she filed a police report stating that Shirai had threatened her with a knife, but later withdrew the complaint, allegedly due to pressure from him.
Despite these alarming incidents, police records indicate that Okazaki contacted them multiple times in December 2024, expressing fear that Shirai was loitering near her home. On December 9, she called the police to report Shirai's presence outside her house, and she went missing just days later, on December 20. Her grandmother reported her disappearance on December 22, leading to a police investigation.
After Okazaki's body was discovered, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police held a press conference on May 3, 2025, to address their handling of the case. They stated that they had not recognized any consultations regarding stalking from Okazaki. This assertion has drawn criticism from experts and advocates who argue that the police should have taken her concerns seriously, given the documented history of violence.
"The police were aware of the violence and the damage report filed by Okazaki. Even if she reconciled with Shirai, the police should have advised her on how to escape a dangerous situation," said Akiko Kobayakawa, a representative from an NPO focused on stalking issues.
According to police records, Okazaki first reported a fight with Shirai on June 13, 2024, after which officers advised her to stay at her grandmother's house. In subsequent months, she reported further incidents of violence, including being threatened with a knife. However, the situation escalated in December when she made nine calls to the police, expressing fear for her safety.
On December 12, Okazaki called to report that Shirai was loitering near her home and requested police patrols in the area. Officers dispatched to her location advised her to remain indoors and not to contact Shirai. Despite this advice, Okazaki was last heard from on December 20, when she sent a message to her grandmother saying she was going out for a bit.
In the aftermath of her disappearance, police initiated a search that included interviewing Shirai and checking surveillance footage. However, Shirai had already left Japan, reportedly returning from the United States after being informed by family members that his home was the site of a police investigation.
As the investigation continues, the police have expressed their commitment to reviewing their actions. "We will clarify the sequence of events and determine whether further improvements should be made in our procedures," a police spokesperson stated.
The discovery of Okazaki's body has prompted public outcry, with many community members placing flowers at the site where she was found. A local resident, visibly emotional, remarked, "This young woman had her whole life ahead of her. It’s heartbreaking to see this happen. Couldn’t the police have done something earlier?"
Okazaki was remembered fondly by those who knew her. The owner of the bar where she worked described her as a bright, engaging person who could connect with customers of all ages. "She was like a daughter to me," the bar owner said, recalling how Okazaki would often lead the entertainment when the bar was slow. "She was always so cheerful and full of life. It’s devastating to think she’s gone."
Asahi Okazaki’s case has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of police responses to domestic violence and stalking, with advocates calling for systemic changes to ensure that victims are heard and protected. The Kanagawa Prefectural Police are now under scrutiny to explain their actions and improve their protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident echoes past failures in law enforcement's handling of domestic violence cases, prompting calls for reform and better training for officers to recognize and respond to the signs of escalating violence.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young woman, the hope is that her tragic death will lead to meaningful change in how authorities handle similar cases, ensuring that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.
