“Kodomo o Koroshite Kudasai” to Iu Oya-tachi

Kodomo o Koroshite Kudasai to Iu Oya-tachi, which translates to Parents Who Say 'Please Kill My Child,' is a manga series based on the investigative reporting of Takeshi Oshikawa, with illustrations by Jun Suzuki. It emerged from the urgent need to address the systemic failures in Japan’s child welfare and psychiatric systems, specifically focusing on the plight of children with developmental or intellectual disabilities who are often abused or neglected by their own parents. The series serves as an unflinching examination of the intense isolation and hopelessness faced by families who struggle to find adequate support for their children, often feeling that killing them is the only remaining option to end their shared suffering.

The creative process behind the work centers on translating Oshikawa’s non-fiction research into a visual medium to reach a broader audience. Suzuki’s art style is characterized by a stark, realistic depiction of domestic strain, avoiding melodramatic flair in favor of highlighting the somber reality of the situations described. Upon its release, the manga was received as a significant contribution to social discourse in Japan, frequently praised for its bravery in broaching taboo subjects such as infanticide, parental mental health, and the societal stigma surrounding disability.