Kenji’s message: Slain Goto’s 4-year-old tweet becomes inspiration

A September 2010 tweet from beheaded Japanese journalist Kenji Goto has found new life online, as Japanese social media has flocked to the message of tolerance and understanding. Retweeted over 20,000 times, it’s become a virtual memorial to the slain Goto, who was reportedly killed Sunday, after being taken hostage in Syria. Goto’s last tweet was made in October, about the time he left for Syria to rescue adventurer Haruna Yukawa – killed before Goto – who disappeared last summer.

Closing my eyes and holding still. It’s the end if I get mad or scream. It’s close to a prayer. Hate is not for humans. Judgment lies with God. That’s what I learned from my Arabic brothers and sisters.

Kenji Goto’s Sept. 7, 2010 tweet

Like anyone’s Twitter account, Goto had other musings online, including comments about French wine and complaints about his tired eyes, as well as his reporting.

He was such a wonderful person. He had a strong sense of doing the right thing.

Yuki Watabe, 15, tweet admirer

Asia-Pacific Kenji Goto