
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
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
Pokémon Cafe’s new Mega Charizard curry plate is a work of art in more ways than one
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
Snuggle up to Totoro with cosy new three-piece Ghibli bag collection
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 2: Towards the Gray Darkness
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Leave a Reply