This sad local incident seems to be part of a national trend. As Japanese society ages, family members (in this case, the husband) are often put under great stress taking care of senile family members. Of course, nothing excuses such violence, but as more and more people find themselves in highly stressful caregiving situations, the number who “crack” seems to be rising too.
This article published in the Japanese version of Newsweek late last year says that one caregiving related murder occurs every two weeks (!) in Japan:
https://www.newsweekjapan.jp/stories/world/2017/12/21-14.php
Here are some English articles on the stress of caregiving in Japan that also mention cases of violence:
The new face of home caregivers Awful dilemma: Keep working or look after elderly parents https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2009/07/30/national/the-new-face-of-home-caregivers/
In greying Japan, caregiving concerns drive some families to murder http://www.asiaone.com/greying-japan-caregiving-concerns-drive-some-families-murder
If you’d be interested in reading a free academic article on the topic, search for
“Social Support and the Mental Health of Family Caregivers: Sons and Daughters Caring for Aging Parents in Japan”
It was published last year by the Japan Sociological Society. I’m not sure but this link may work:
– Kirk
