Thirty years have passed since the murder and arson attack on the home of a female Sophia University student in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. While DNA believed to belong to the perpetrator was detected at the scene, the case remains unsolved.

The victim's family is calling for the introduction of new investigative methods using this DNA.

■Unsolved for 30 Years: The Sophia University Student Murder and Arson Case – DNA Testing Could Identify "One Person in the World"

Mai Izumi, Anchor:
Regarding murder cases, the statute of limitations has been abolished, and technology has advanced, so it's natural that the victim's family wants the case solved.

Currently, the family is calling for the establishment of new laws for DNA investigation.

Currently, DNA investigation in Japan is said to be used to match DNA from blood and bodily fluids left at the crime scene with DNA voluntarily submitted by suspects.

Naoki Ogura, Reporter, TBS News Department, Social Affairs Section:
It is said that current technology has reached a level where it can identify "one person in the world."

The 1999 murder of a housewife in Nishi Ward, Nagoya City, was finally solved in 2025, 26 years after its initial resolution. The key to the solution was the matching of DNA from bloodstains left at the scene with DNA from a sample voluntarily submitted by the defendant, Yasufuku, leading to his arrest.

Izumi (Anchor):
As this example shows, in recent years, there have been cases where DNA left at the scene has actually led to the arrest of a perpetrator.

This time, the families of victims in unsolved cases are seeking a new way to utilize DNA that goes a step further.

What kind of new methods are they seeking?

■ "Use all DNA information to arrest the perpetrator": The heartfelt wish of the bereaved families; they call for legal reform from the government

Naoki Ogura, Reporter, Social Affairs Department, TBS News Bureau:
The families of victims in unsolved cases want all DNA information to be used to create composite sketches and estimate ages.

However, in Japan, currently, parts of the DNA that include physical characteristics are not used.

Kenji Kobayashi, the father of the victim Junko Kobayashi, stated, "If there is DNA at the scene that directly links to the perpetrator, I want them to utilize all the information contained in that DNA to arrest the culprit."

For the bereaved family, the fact that 30 years have passed and progress has been slow is unimaginable; it's a desperate situation where they're grasping at straws. Amidst this, they are calling on the government to enact legislation, hoping that even the slightest possibility of success exists.

Ken Ishida, Editor-in-Chief of "The HEAD LINE":
Previously, suspects were asked to submit DNA samples to check for type matches.
In contrast, modern technology utilizes AI-powered DNA databases. For example, Google's DeepMind AI division has released "AlphaGenome Atlas." This is research that creates a kind of DNA database and uses AI to predict combinations, representing a significant technological advancement.

Once a database is created, it becomes possible to find something extremely close to the target, allowing for narrowing down the search from individuals with similar DNA.

On the other hand, there's also the risk that investigations could be based on incorrect information or become confused. However, since it becomes possible to pinpoint suspects through alternative means using existing databases, I think the possibilities will expand even further by making full use of current AI and DNA technology.

Izumi (Anchor):
Is it actually being used in investigations?

Ken Ishida, Editor-in-Chief of "The HEAD LINE":
This service itself is very new, so I don't think it's being used yet. On the other hand, Google's DNA analysis service called "DeepVariant" is quite far along in practical application, so I think it will be realistically applicable in the near future.

■Expanding Use, but Challenges? Potential for Human Rights Violations and Incorrect Investigations

Izumi (Anchor):
In the United States, there's an investigative method called "genome montage."

Ogura, Reporter, Social Affairs Department, TBS News Bureau:
"Genome montage" refers to facial images created based on DNA information. According to the website of Parabon NanoLabs, an American forensic science company (a private company) that creates these images, it states that they have been used in cases to identify key suspects in crimes.

Izumi (caster):
According to Professor Tokunaga of Dokkyo University, at present, there are concerns about the accuracy of capturing facial features, and that errors can occur. Some argue that it shouldn't be put into practical use until these issues can be confirmed.

Ogura (reporter, Social Affairs Department, TBS News Bureau):
If the accuracy is insufficient, errors will increase, potentially leading to human rights violations. Furthermore, pursuing individuals with incorrect features...