The student from the prestigious Nagoya University hit 77-year-old Tomoko Mori repeatedly with the axe and then strangled her "because she wasn't completely dead", the Asahi Shimbun said.
The young woman was arrested on yesterday, and reportedly told investigators: "I have just wanted to kill someone since childhood. It could have been anybody."
Mori had become acquainted with her alleged murderer when she tried to persuade the young woman to join a religious group.
On the day of the murder, she reportedly tweeted: "I eventually did it."
The student's name was not released because she is a minor under Japanese law.
Crime levels are low in Japan and murder is uncommon, however, occasional killings tend to make headlines because of their lurid nature.
In August a 16-year-old schoolgirl confessed to decapitating her classmate because she "wanted to dissect someone".
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
