Ep 1: Before darkness

Season One begins with the 2002 escape of a teenage girl held captive for seven years—an event that exposed a hidden web of control and cruelty. This season explores a network of fear and silence that led to multiple losses of life.

If you’re drawn to lesser-known true crime stories from Japan, this podcast is for you.

This series contains descriptions of violence. Listener discretion advised.

What is Japan OMG?

Japan is safe. But those stories aren’t.
Japan OMG is a true-crime podcast that explores cases rarely covered in English-language headlines.
Season One goes beyond the crime—challenging what you think you know about human nature.
If you’re drawn to lesser-known stories from Japan—and to the complexity of people pushed beyond their limits—this podcast is for you.

New episode every Tuesday.
Follow Japan OMG to stay updated on the case.
Subscribe for more Japan true crime, psychological analysis, and real cases.
Instagram: @japanomglab
Link: linktr.ee/japanomg.lab

Fabiano: 00:01

In 2002, a teenage girl escaped after being held captive for seven years, leading to what became known as the Kitakyushu murder case. Season one examines how love, fear and deception can create a mental prison. This series includes descriptions of violence, so please listen carefully. You are listening to Japan OMG.

Fabiano: 00:42

Some true stories are far more shocking and unbelievable than fiction.

Fabiano: 00:47

Humans are undoubtedly among the most perplexing creatures on earth. I share stories that have made me question human nature and humanity and feel compelled to share them.

Fabiano: 00:59

If you're as curious as I am and want to hear lesser known true crime stories from Japan, join us on this podcast. When you think of Japan, you might picture clean streets, quiet neighborhoods, and a sense of consistent politeness. However, beneath this calm exterior, darker currents can exist.

Fabiano: 01:23

A silence so profound that it can hide cruelty for years. In this quietness, people can become lost. In this season, the story centres on a woman, a kindergarten teacher. She is shy, obedient and seemingly ordinary. One phone call changed everything for her.

Fabiano: 01:44

She shifted from victim to accomplice to a prisoner awaiting her fate. We will explore how the ripple effects of that single phone call spread through a network of control, fear and silence, ultimately leading to the loss of seven lives.

Fabiano: 02:04

Thanks for listening. Please follow and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. See you in the next episode.