DeepSummary
A psychiatric clinic in Osaka, Japan was set on fire by one of its patients, Morio Tanimoto, on December 17, 2021. The fire started near the clinic's only entrance, trapping patients and staff inside with no means of escape. 26 people died from suffocation due to smoke inhalation.
Morio, a 61-year-old man, had a history of mental health issues and had been a patient at the clinic for several years. He had meticulously planned the attack, documenting the number of people inside the clinic on different days and rehearsing the attack at his home. Security footage showed him starting the fire and preventing others from escaping.
Morio had a troubled past, including an attempt to murder his son in 2011 for which he served only 5 years in prison. He was isolated and alone, with no family or friends, and felt the clinic had failed to help him. Though he died before standing trial, the investigation uncovered that the building lacked proper safety measures despite not violating any codes, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Morio Tanimoto, a psychiatric patient, deliberately set fire to a mental health clinic in Osaka, Japan in December 2021, killing 26 people.
- Tanimoto had a history of mental illness and felt the clinic had failed to help him, prompting his premeditated attack.
- The fire started near the clinic's only exit, trapping patients and staff inside with no means of escape.
- Despite meeting building codes, the clinic lacked proper safety measures like sprinklers and multiple exits, contributing to the high death toll.
- The tragedy sparked calls for stricter building safety regulations and better support for isolated individuals to prevent such acts of violence.
- Tanimoto died before standing trial, leaving many questions unanswered about his specific motives for targeting the clinic.
- The incident deeply impacted the local community, particularly the families of the victims and the clinic's beloved director, Dr. Nishizawa.
- The case highlighted Japan's history of deadly arson attacks, often driven by individuals' mental health struggles and lack of access to support.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “They're excited for this freaking weekend. Everyone's rushing to work, ready to have their little last push before they can relax. Businesses are opening up for the day, getting ready for the busy days ahead. And one of those businesses that would have been swamped over the weekend was this small little psychiatric clinic in Osaka.“ by Speaker B
- “Everyone inside was instantly trapped. The rooms in the back were windowless, so there wasn't even a way to climb out of a window. The only windows were in the reception area, right next to the fire.“ by Speaker B
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Episode Information
Rotten Mango
Stephanie Soo & Ramble
4/19/23