The Story Behind Issei Sagawa: The Japanese Cannibal
[TRIGGER WARNING]
Seemingly something straight out of a nightmare, Issei Sagawa also known as the Kobe cannibal is a Japanese man who not only murdered, mutilated, and devoured his “ friend,” but essentially got away with it too.
A quick search of the name will render a google knowledge panel, not uncommon for criminals of Sagawa’s stature. Yet beneath his name, 'criminal' is not written and listed photos are not the usual mug shots. Instead, Sagawa is categorized as an ‘orator’ a term reserved for public speakers, and the photos provided are those from books he has written and interviews he’s participated in.
Autographed post card from a set of five nude photographs of Sagawa.
Sagawa photographed in his home
Issei Sagawa, born on April 26th, 1948, claims to have had cannibalistic urges for as long as he can remember. His twisted desire began with a fascination with fairy tales, especially those in which humans are eaten; his favourite being Hansel and Gretel. He recalls his earliest cannibalistic intention from just the 1st grade, where he was captivated by the thighs of his classmate, leading him to ponder their deliciousness.
Sagawa attempts to justify himself consistently in interviews and has never shown any remorse for his crimes. Instead, he wonders why everyone does not share in his perversions to eat human flesh. He believes his feelings, to be that of a simple fetish; an extension of a normal romantic relationship. He once said normal men, in their process of courting a woman, want to be close to them, to kiss and hug them, and that his feelings are simply the next step forward.
Sagawa being escorted out of his apartment following his arrest in Paris, July 17, 1981.
The suitcase found to contain Renee Hartevelt’s remains.
At the age of 23, Sagawa attempted to finally act on these emotions. He was living in Tokyo with his family and became enamored with a German woman whom he, unfortunately, chanced upon. He followed her home and waited until she was sleeping to follow through with his intention of cannibalizing her buttocks, yet the woman fought back and Sagawa was arrested – for attempted rape instead. Due to the influence of Sagawa’s family at the time, the charges were dropped. This was a grave misjudgment that may have prevented the heartbreaking future from coming to pass.
At 32 Sagawa traveled to Paris to pursue a Ph.D. at the prestigious Sorbonne University. It's there that Dutch woman, Renee Hartvelt would catch his eye. Hartevelet was described as kind, and open-hearted; quickly striking up a friendship with lonely Sagawa. Yet in turn, he repaid her with slaughter.
A Japanese Erotic Magazine featuring Sagawa
On the evening of June 11th, 1981 Sagawa invited Hartvelt to his apartment under the guise of dinner and literary conversation, not uncommon in their relationship. Yet upon her arrival, he shot her in the back of the neck and continued on to commit atrocities with her lifeless corpse, not limited to but including cutting her up and eating her. Sagawa claims he didn’t wish to kill Hartvelt, yet it was the only way he could accomplish his dreams 32 years in the making.
Excerpt from Sagawa’s Graphic Novel.
Cover art from Sagawa’s Novel: English translation of cover reads: Those Who I Want to Kill: A messages from multiple personalities.
Despite being caught in his attempt to dispose of the body, the charges against him were dismissed as insanity. As a result, Sagawa spent only two years in French detention before being deported to Japan. There, he was supposed to spend the rest of his days in an asylum. However, due to a legal loophole, Sagawa was able to check himself out after 6 months; deemed sane.
Sagawa now enjoys a famed life in Tokyo, where he has become some kind of gross folk hero. He has been on countless talk shows and has starred in films and documentaries, One of which entitled “Caniba,” was a contender to be awarded at a multitude of film festivals. He became a best-selling author of over 20 books detailing his experience in both novel and manga form, and he even inspired The Rolling Stones song “Too Much Blood.”
Strange Television appearance by Sagawa on Japanese day time television.
Film Poster of the most recent documentary featuring Sagawa.
(2017)
Although left permanently disabled from a stroke in 2013, he claimed in an interview with Vice that being forced to live with the consequences of his actions is a terrible punishment, yet he can't bear the thought of dying without eating another human being.
The film ‘Caniba’ delves deep in its protrayal of a post-stroke Sagawa….
This case is a representation of one of the grandest miscarriages of justice to exist. It's surreal that we live in a world where becoming a cannibal can be seen as a ‘good-career move.’