Police have arrested a man in connection with the death of Akihiro Kawashima, a Japanese business executive who was fatally stabbed earlier this month.
According to The Japan Times, 45-year-old Masahiro Yamanaka was taken into custody on Jan. 9, a day after Kawashima’s body was found.
Yamanaka had reportedly worked for an audio company led by Kawashima, his longtime friend. The suspect allegedly admitted to authorities he had stabbed the company president multiple times after he became "dissatisfied" with Kawashima’s “attitude” and end-of-year compensation.
“When I went to voice my opinion, he became enraged, and we got into a scuffle,” Kawashima told investigators.
The suspect insisted he didn’t intend to kill Kawashima, whom he had known since high school. According to police reports, Yamanaka had gone to Kawashima’s apartment to confront him over his issues, but the situation quickly turned violent.
“I sprayed insecticide that was at the entrance into his face, and when he faltered, I stabbed his thigh and neck with a fruit knife I had brought to threaten him,” Yamanaka allegedly told investigators. “I chased him and stabbed him from behind.”
Authorities said Kawashima was stabbed 10 times and had defensive wounds on both of his hands. Security footage at the apartment allegedly showed Yamanaka changing outfits before and after the stabbing.
Police said they believe they found the clothing Yamanaka had worn during the alleged attack; the blood-stained garments and the suspected murder weapon were discovered in a nearby trash receptacle. The pieces of evidence are undergoing forensic examination.
During his voluntary police interview, Yamanaka said he had become frustrated after learning his end-of-year bonus was reduced without explanation. He was reportedly promised a payment that was equivalent to one-and-a-half months’ worth of salary; he instead received a bonus that was closer to one month of salary.
Investigators searched Yamanaka’s home on Saturday, reportedly seizing around 30 items, including company-related documents.
“If he had problems at work, he should have walked away,” said Yamanaka’s 72-year-old mother, as reported by The Japan Times. “Kawashima’s life will never return, but I hope my son reflects on what he has done and atones for his crime.”