TOKYO — Authorities in Japan announced on Friday the apprehension of a man suspected of fatally stabbing a live-streaming YouTuber on a bustling Tokyo street.
Tokyo metropolitan police have taken into custody 42-year-old Kenji Takano, initially on suspicion of attempted murder related to an incident that occurred on Tuesday. Although he has been handed over to prosecutors, formal charges have yet to be filed against him.
The victim, identified as 22-year-old Airi Sato, sustained severe injuries in the attack after being stabbed multiple times in her upper body. Despite urgent medical intervention, she was later declared dead.
Witnesses and viewers of the livestream reported hearing Sato’s desperate cries for help before the broadcast abruptly cut to black.
According to various media reports, including those by the Asahi newspaper, the suspect disclosed to police that he was familiar with Sato through her live streaming activities and had met her multiple times. He cited financial disagreements as the motive for his actions.
NHK, a Japanese broadcaster, noted that Takano had reportedly loaned Sato a significant amount of money, which she failed to repay despite judicial orders.
It appears Takano had traveled specifically to Tokyo from Oyama city, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) to the north, to commit the attack. Details suggest he pinpointed Sato’s location by tracking her livestream. Media reports indicate he claimed he did not intend to kill her.
While Japan is known for its low incidence of violent crimes due to stringent gun control laws, there have been a few prominent cases involving knife and makeshift weapon attacks in recent times, reflecting broader issues such as economic challenges and employment uncertainty.
