In a period of less than three weeks, three elementary school-age girls were recently murdered in different areas of Japan. The nature of the crimes guaranteed extensive coverage, but their occurrence in quick succession stretched the resources of the news media beyond its normal capabilities.
Moreover, the incidents occurred at a time when the press is looking at a possible curtailment of its news-gathering options with regard to exactly this kind of crime.
Since last April, when the government passed a basic law to help crime victims, discussions have been continuing with regard to specifics. One recommendation is for police to withhold the names of victims of crimes and serious accidents from the press in light of complaints from victims' families, who say that reporters violate their right to privacy in order to get statements. The Cabinet will supposedly look at the matter this month.