A 3-year-old girl who died after being beaten in her family's Hirakata apartment in Osaka Prefecture had more than 50 bruises across her body, suggesting abuse that was repeated over time, the Mainichi Shimbun reported, citing investigators.
The bruises were found on her face, back, arms and legs, and their varying shades indicate they formed at different times. Her father, Kentaro Kanao, 33, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Before his arrest, Kanao told investigators in voluntary questioning that he had hit the girl as part of discipline before, according to the investigators. Osaka prefectural police suspect the abuse was routine.
Fatal injuries
The girl, Erena, died after strong force to her abdomen and other areas damaged her lungs. Police believe the blows were inflicted on August 2.
That day, Kanao is suspected of making her walk up and down a three-step platform at home as what he called walking practice. Police believe he flew into a rage when she stopped and beat her.
Police have not disclosed whether Kanao admits or denies the charge. According to the investigators, he said in voluntary questioning before his arrest that he hit her because she would not listen.
Her mother, Riyo Kanao, 33, was also arrested, on suspicion of abandoning a person in her care and causing death. She is suspected of failing to call for help despite knowing of the beatings.
Five reports to the city
According to the city of Hirakata and other sources, the city's child and family center received five reports from Erena's kindergarten and nursery school from July 2025 onward. The callers suspected abuse and said she had bruises.
The city checked on Erena and questioned Kanao, but could not conclude that violence had occurred and did not place her in temporary protective custody.