Vietnamese Intern Arrested in Saga Prefecture Murder-Robbery Case

A tragic incident in Imari, Saga Prefecture, has left a community in shock after a 24-year-old Vietnamese technical intern trainee was arrested in connection with a murder-robbery that claimed the life of a Japanese language instructor and injured her elderly mother. The case has raised questions about the safety of residential areas and the challenges faced by foreign workers in Japan.

A Violent Intrusion

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Saga prefectural police reported that the suspect, identified as Dam Duy Khang, allegedly entered the home of Maiko Mukumoto, a 40-year-old Japanese language instructor, around 4:20 p.m. According to police accounts, Khang is believed to have threatened Mukumoto with a knife, demanding money and stealing approximately ¥11,000 (~US$73) before slashing her neck as she resisted. An autopsy later confirmed that Mukumoto succumbed to blood loss due to multiple stab and cut wounds to her neck and abdomen.

The incident unfolded when Mukumoto and her mother, who is in her 70s, opened their front door after the intercom rang. Police reports suggest that the suspect confronted the two women at the entrance, demanding to see their wallets. When they resisted, he allegedly stabbed both. Mukumoto’s mother managed to escape and sought help from a neighbor, who promptly contacted the authorities. Upon arrival, officers found Mukumoto unconscious in the entranceway; she was later pronounced dead. Her mother sustained a neck injury but is reported to be in stable condition.

Community in Mourning

The small city of Imari, known for its porcelain production and quiet residential neighborhoods, is reeling from the violence that shattered the peace of a typical Saturday afternoon. Neighbors expressed disbelief at the brutality of the attack, with many describing Mukumoto as a kind and dedicated educator who often worked with foreign trainees as part of her language instruction programs.

The incident has not only sparked grief but also heightened concerns about safety in a region unaccustomed to such violent crime. Local authorities have increased patrols in the area, and community leaders are calling for discussions on how to better protect vulnerable residents, particularly in homes without advanced security systems.

Challenges for Foreign Workers

While the investigation continues, the arrest of a Vietnamese technical intern trainee has drawn attention to the broader context of foreign workers in Japan. The technical intern training program, designed to provide skills and work experience to individuals from developing countries, has faced criticism for issues such as low wages, long working hours, and limited social support. Many trainees, including those from Vietnam, often find themselves under significant financial and psychological stress, though there is no evidence at this stage to suggest these factors directly contributed to the alleged crime.

Japan hosts thousands of Vietnamese interns, with many working in industries such as construction, caregiving, and manufacturing. Saga Prefecture, while not a primary hub for foreign workers compared to urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka, still relies on such labor in certain sectors. Community organizations and advocacy groups have urged caution against stereotyping or stigmatizing foreign workers based on this isolated incident, emphasizing the need for better integration and support systems.

Ongoing Investigation

Saga prefectural police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder-robbery. Details about the suspect’s background, including his specific role as a technical intern and any prior interactions with Mukumoto, remain limited at this time. Authorities have cordoned off the area near the residence, with investigation vehicles observed entering the site as recently as Saturday, according to local reports.

The case has also prompted local officials to review safety protocols for residents and to consider outreach programs that could address potential vulnerabilities in smaller communities. While the motive behind the alleged crime has not been officially confirmed, the violent nature of the attack has left an indelible mark on Imari’s residents.

As the legal process unfolds, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of community trust and the need for vigilance, even in areas considered safe. For now, Imari mourns the loss of Maiko Mukumoto, a teacher whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence, while her mother continues to recover from both physical and emotional wounds.