A 22-year-old woman, Airi Sato, was fatally stabbed more than 30 times while livestreaming in downtown Tokyo on March 12, 2025. Police arrested 42-year-old Kenichi Takano, who allegedly attacked her during the incident in Shinjuku, suggesting a personal grudge stemming from a financial dispute between the two.
- Young woman Airi Sato was fatally stabbed.
- Suspect Kenichi Takano held a grudge.
- Financial dispute involved millions of yen.
- Takano tracked Sato via her livestreams.
- He purchased the knife online months prior.
- Takano previously sued Sato for unreturned funds.
Takano reportedly lent Sato millions of yen and was upset that she continued to earn money through streaming despite owing him funds. The police stated that he tracked her location via her livestream before the attack.
The incident occurred in the Takadanobaba district of Shinjuku, a busy area known for its nightlife and entertainment. Airi Sato was livestreaming on social media when she was attacked by Kenichi Takano, who had developed a financial relationship with her over the past few years. Takano first learned of Sato through her online streams in February 2021 and began lending her money as she struggled with living expenses.
Details from police indicate that Takano lent Sato approximately 2.54 million yen (around $17,000) across multiple occasions. He had even taken legal action against her in 2023 for unpaid debts, which resulted in a court ruling ordering Sato to repay him. Following the ruling, Takano reported her missing to the police in January 2024, indicating a deterioration in their relationship.
- Sato was attacked on March 12, 2025.
- She was stabbed over 30 times.
- Takano purchased the knife used in the attack two to three months prior.
According to Takano, he could not accept that Sato was profiting from her streaming activities while still owing him money. This tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of individuals involved in online content creation and the potential dangers of financial disputes escalating into violence.
This incident highlights the severe consequences that can arise from unresolved financial conflicts and the need for awareness regarding personal safety in the digital age.
