
The announcement of David Bowie’s passing certainly came as a terrible shock, but perhaps just as shocking is the news of one Japanese fan’s attempted suicide in response to the star’s death.
On January 11, 25-year-old Yuki Shioda was taken into custody by local authorities in Sapporo, Hokkaido, for brandishing a utility knife in an apparent attempt to take his own life upon hearing about the death of rock legend David Bowie.
Shioda, now unemployed, was apprehended outside of his former place of work, a shipping company located in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward, where he had reportedly planned to commit suicide in front of onlookers. After dropping the utility knife between fits of shouting, police rushed to apprehend Shioda, arresting him on violation of the Firearms and Sword Control Law.
▼ Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Fortunately, no one—Shioda included—was hurt in the incident, however this isn’t the first time a Japanese youth has contemplated suicide after losing an influential music idol, with multiple suicide attempts reported followed the passing of X Japan guitarist and solo artist hide almost 18 years ago.
Though the news of Bowie’s death was a blow to music fans around the world, one can’t help but think the musician would have wanted fans like Shioda to keep both himself and the music alive instead of rushing to follow him to the grave.
Source: Sankei News
Top/feature image: Carry Cases Plus, Wikipedia, edited by RocketNews24
Insert image: Wikiland

David Bowie’s Lazarus makes its debut in Japan, bringing his love for the country full circle
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Paying for prostitution isn’t illegal in Japan, but it could be soon
Our reporter is willing to die on the pseudo-Italian restaurant Olive Hill
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Testing Japan’s fluffy mayonnaise pancake cooking hack【SoraKitchen】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply