In 26 days, it will be two years since the arson of a clinic in a building in Kita-ku, Osaka, which killed 17 people involved. Some bereaved family members and former patients say that their grief and anxiety are increasing as time passes, and the challenge is how to support those around them.
Two years ago, on December 2, a psychosomatic clinic in a building in Kita-ku, Osaka, was set on fire, killing 12 patients, doctors, and staff.
The suspect Morio Tanimoto (17 years old at the time) was also killed in this case, and he was subsequently charged with murder and arson.
The building at the site is still inaccessible two years later, and the fourth floor, where the clinic was located, has broken windows boarded up, and the sign remains as it was at that time.
With the death of a suspect and the inability to clarify the truth of the case and hold him criminally responsible, some bereaved families say that they are unable to separate their feelings and are becoming more and more sad as time passes.
Supporter: "After a few years, there are times when I feel sad and anxious."
Kumi Tsuchida, president of the Japan Medical Counselors Association, which is involved in supporting former patients, said, "I think there are many bereaved families and former patients who were unable to face their grief due to various emotions such as unacceptable feelings and anger at the beginning of the incident. After a few years, when the surroundings have calmed down, feelings of sadness and anxiety may overflow, so when the people around you confide in you, just shut up and listen. And the best support is to tell them, 'If there is anything I can do, please consult with me.'"
Former patient still can't change his mind
Some former patients who attended the clinic at the site are still unable to change their minds two years after the incident and are still anxious.
There were many former patients who adored the director Kotaro Nishizawa (2 years old at the time), who died in the incident.
According to a man in his 49s who had been going to the clinic for about eight years, no matter how busy he was, Dr. Nishizawa made eye contact with him and listened to him kindly.
The man is currently undergoing treatment at another clinic, but he said, "There is no other doctor I can trust like Dr. Nishizawa, who took care of me for about a fifth of my life, listened to me from 8 to 40, and encouraged me with warm words. For the past two years, I've managed to live my life looking forward, but I can't sort out my feelings. If I could, I would like to go back to before the incident."
In addition, a former patient in her 5s said that she felt depressed for a while after the incident and could not find another clinic.
The woman said, "Dr. Nishizawa was really helpful in waiting for me even when I was late for work, and I still remember that kind face and wonder why he died. Especially in December, the incident crosses my mind and I feel painful."
The director's sister "Time passes, so that I can feel the reality of my brother's death"
On the eve of the two-year anniversary of the incident, the sister of the deceased clinic director, Kotaro Nishizawa (2 years old at the time), gave an interview and said, "As time has passed, I have come to feel the reality of my brother's death.
Dr. Nishizawa's sister, Nobuko (49), used to be a dentist, but after the incident, she has continued to interact with former patients at the clinic and consult with them.
When he learned that Dr. Nishizawa was adored by many patients, he began to feel a desire to be close to him on behalf of his brother.
I started studying counseling and started counseling with acquaintances, but in the midst of my busy activities, I have turned away from the reality of losing my brother.
However, two years after the incident, that sentiment is changing.
Nobuko:
"As time has passed, I have come to feel the reality of my brother's death, and recently I have a hard time watching the footage of the incident and hearing the sound of the siren of the fire engine. It's an emotion that I didn't have right after the incident or a year later."
In addition, the trial of the arson of the Kyoto Animation studio, which killed 36 employees, brought about a change of heart.
In September, Nobuko observed the trial and witnessed the exchanges, wanting to know how the bereaved families would deal with the defendants in a case in which many lives were lost.
The suspect died in the clinic case, and no further trial will be held.
Nobuko said that she was reminded of her position as a bereaved family member with nowhere to go, saying, "I don't think the suspect thought that not only the victims of the incident but also their families and many times more people would grieve. I don't know what my mental state was at the time, but I had to take a hard look at what I had done throughout the trial. For the bereaved families, it remains a half-hearted situation, and I feel that the trial was still necessary."
At a concert in memory of the victims, he recited a poem written in memory of his brother
On the 3rd of this month, Nobuko and a pianist she knew held a concert in Osaka to commemorate the victims of the incident.
By holding the event every year, he wanted to create a place where bereaved families and former patients who have nowhere to go can gather.
In it, Nobuko recited a poem in which she wrote her honest feelings for her brother, which she had never spoken before.
Nobuko's poem (excerpt) Remembering
you and sometimes shedding tears.
I wanted you to be alive. I wish that hadn't happened.
I was going to talk to you about my memories earlier.
I want to see you.
I will live my life here in my own way.
Please watch over those who know you from the sky.
Now that I have begun to face my grief, I would like to continue to do what I can as a supporter, not only as a bereaved family member, but also as a supporter, inheriting my brother's desire to be close to patients.
Nobuko:
"I want to see my brother, but when I think that I am the only child for my parents, I feel that I absolutely have to protect them, and I don't think it is the case that I am crying. If I can consult with former patients and say, "I'm glad I talked to you," my heart will be healed, and in the end, I think it will be good for people and for myself. I want to continue to do what I can to the best of my ability and in a comfortable situation."