Miyuki Ishikawa - True Crime of "The Demon Midwife" Who Terrorized 1940s Tokyo

Miyuki Ishikawa, perhaps believing she acted with compassion, took the lives of more than 100 infants. However, she could potentially be regarded as the most lethal female serial killer in history.

During the 1940s, Miyuki Ishikawa served as a midwife in post-World War II Japan. At first glance, her profession appeared to be honorable, as it was a common occupation for women during that era. However, beneath the surface, a horrifying truth unfolded: Ishikawa was responsible for the deaths of over 100 infants under her care.

Her heinous actions earned her the title of the most prolific serial killer in Japanese history, and she remains one of the most notorious female serial killers worldwide. The magnitude of her crimes was so immense that even to this day, her name is synonymous with terror.

But what drove her to commit such atrocities? While it may seem that poverty-stricken families entrusted their children to her due to their inability to provide for them, the underlying reasons were far more intricate. The Ishikawa case had profound implications on Japanese law, revealing a much deeper and complex truth.

This is the chilling account of Miyuki Ishikawa, infamously known as the "Demon Midwife."
Miyuki Ishikawa, born in 1897 in Kunitomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, hailed from a privileged background. It is widely believed by historians that prior to 1945, only affluent Japanese women had the means to pursue higher education. Therefore, the fact that Ishikawa successfully completed her studies at the esteemed University of Tokyo is a testament to her family's prosperity.

Following her graduation, she secured a position as a midwife at the renowned Kotobuki maternity hospital. In accordance with her family's desires, she entered into a marriage with Takeshi Ishikawa, although the union did not result in any children. Over time, Ishikawa's dedication and competence propelled her to the position of hospital director. Her exceptional skills as a midwife garnered immense satisfaction from numerous clients.

However, the Japan of the 1940s differed greatly from the present-day nation. In the aftermath of World War II, the country grappled with severe food shortages. The Allied bombings had disrupted the transportation network, leading to a breakdown in the supply chain. Additionally, the scarcity of resources during the war had plunged the entire nation into a state of famine.