Man hinted at ‘dramatic’ act before Tochigi explosions

TOKYO — A 72-year-old man who apparently committed suicide in an explosion near a festival venue in Utsunomiya on Sunday had repeatedly posted angry messages online about his divorce suit and spoke of wanting to make a “dramatic” act to attract people’s attention.

“I wanted my blog to go up in flames but it only gets a few visitors. I must make things dramatic,” said a blog post dated Oct 9, carrying the name of Toshikatsu Kurihara, a former Self-Defence Force official.

“I’m so desperate,” the post said.

He also uploaded an audio file expressing his anger with people paying no attention to an issue “unless it becomes a major incident”.

“I will end my life with an action that will never be forgiven by society,” a separate post said.

Kurihara is believed to have detonated a device while seated in Utsunomiya Joshi Park, Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, around 11.40am on Sunday.

His body and a bench were both badly damaged, indicating the use of powerful explosives, investigators said.

So far, police have found batteries, wires and multiple marbles believed to have been used by Kurihara in making the explosive device. Two tubes were also found near the blast site.

Kurihara was confirmed to have died of crush wounds to his chest and abdomen, police said. A note saying, “I will pay with my life”, was found inside a sock he was wearing.

Three people were wounded in the blast — two seriously, as metal pieces cut into their bodies, and another sustained a minor injury.

Kurihara’s house, some 8km from the park, was destroyed by a fire which started around 11.15am on the day, while his car was also burnt some 15 minutes later along with several cars at a parking lot near the park, according to the investigators.

Police said they suspect the two fires were also caused by explosives.

Other online posts believed to have been written by Kurihara said his relationship with his wife failed due to disagreements over medical treatment of their daughter and he repeatedly criticised the judge and officials of the Utsunomiya family court over the divorce suit he lost.

“They confiscated my assets, and my house will be auctioned,” one read, while another post said: “It is as if the family court is telling me to go to jail.”

A separate website also believed to be his said: “This is my ending note.” “There might be a day I leave the earth,” and, “I would feel lonely if I leave alone”, it read. KYODO