Detained for 18 days over alleged abuse of a facility user, Runa maintained her innocence throughout custody. Her family has formally filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government and Hyogo Prefecture seeking roughly 110 million yen in damages for wrongful arrest and investigative misconduct.
The Arrest and Facility Incident at Akashi Police Station
The case began following a February 2025 Valentine’s Day event organized by Runa at a care facility for individuals with disabilities in Japan. The gathering involved roughly 40 participants. Months later, a woman with an intellectual disability filed a report with the city office claiming Runa and a male colleague held down the chin of a severely disabled service user identified as Mr. A.
On June 17, 2025, officers from the Akashi Police Station of the Hyogo Prefectural Police executed an arrest warrant at the facility. Eight staff members who witnessed the February event later stated that Mr. A attempted to bite nearby individuals, and staff intervened purely for safety without committing any assault. Runa sustained bruises on her hands and feet from bites during the incident but skipped medical treatment to protect the privacy and feelings of the user and his family. Witnesses criticized the police for bypassing preliminary interviews with on-site staff before executing a sudden arrest.
Interrogation Tactics Documented in the Suspect Notebook
While held at the detention center, Runa recorded her daily experiences in a “suspect notebook” that later revealed harsh interrogation methods. According to the document, investigators repeatedly shouted demands such as, “You actually did it, admit it!” and claimed that a co-suspect had already confessed. Notes stained with teardrops included phrases like, “Mom, I want to see you, I’m sorry” and “Why did this happen when I did nothing?”
The male employee identified by police as a co-suspect stated that he never confessed to investigators and accused the police of attempting to turn them against each other. During 18 days of detention, Runa stopped eating due to severe stress, her weight plummeted from over 37 kilograms, and she collapsed inside the facility before being sent to a hospital.
Did you know? Runa’s mother filed a lawsuit demanding approximately 110 million yen in damages, with the first court hearing scheduled for October 21, 2026.
Post-Release Trauma and Subsequent Medical Decline
Although the court granted bail, prosecutors appealed to extend the detention. Police released Runa on July 4, 2025, and prosecutors later dropped the case without charges, declining to disclose specific reasons. Following her release, Runa suffered from severe acute stress disorder, waking at night with screams of “It’s scary, don’t come near me, I hate the police.”
Runa died in December 2025 from organ failure caused by severe malnutrition, weighing only 19 kilograms at the time of her death.
Retraction of the Initial Complaint
In March 2026, the individual who originally reported the incident to the city office sent an apology letter to the bereaved family. The complainant admitted she only saw Runa place her hand near Mr. A’s chin and exaggerated the event, writing, “Looking back, it wasn’t abuse, I am very sorry.” Legal experts questioned the initial police procedure, pointing out severe flaws in arresting a minor without a thorough preliminary investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Runa arrested initially?
What was the official legal outcome of the criminal investigation?
Prosecutors dropped the case and released Runa without filing formal charges, though they did not provide specific reasons for dropping the prosecution.
What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by the family?
Runa’s mother filed a lawsuit against Hyogo Prefecture and the Japanese government seeking approximately 110 million yen, claiming investigative misconduct and illegal search procedures led to her death.
How did the Hyogo Prefectural Police respond to the allegations?
The Hyogo Prefectural Police maintained that their investigative procedures were appropriate and stated they would present their defense in court.
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