Former Nursery Teacher Arrested Seven Times For Indecent Acts Towards Preschoolers

Former nursery school teacher Nagata Nagikumi (27), charged with indecent acts including forcible indecency against multiple young girls at a licensed nursery school in Tokyo where he worked, had his trial open on June 21 at the Tokyo District Court under Judge Hidenori Murohashi.

According to the indictment, Nagata called the girls to the bathroom and to a closet, blindfolded them with bandanas, and indecently assaulted them, which he filmed with his smartphone.

The scene of the dastardly crime was a licensed nursery school where Nagata’s father is the director.

“Nagata Nagikumi began working at the same nursery two years ago. He wasn’t responsible for any specific class but assisted in childcare duties, mainly supervising nap times for the children. It was during these times that he committed offenses against multiple children. The smartphone used for recording was provided to him by the nursery,” said a reporter from a national newspaper’s social affairs department.

Since January, Nagata Nagikumi has been arrested a total of seven times. During the initial trial, the charges involving three girls aged 5 to 6 at the time from October to December of last year were deliberated. At the hearing on the 21st, proceedings for an additional indictment involving another girl were conducted. Nagata appeared in court wearing a black sweatshirt and a shaved head, his sturdy frame hunched over. He quietly admitted to the charges, murmuring, “There’s no mistake,” as he kept his head bowed.

In court, the prosecutor read the opinion of the parents of the victim girl. A series of crimes were revealed between October and December of last year, and the daycare center held an emergency parents’ meeting on December 30. In response, the parents spoke to the girl, who reported that she had been victimized by the Nagata suspect. When the parents learned of their daughter’s victimization,

“We hoped it wasn’t true and wished it had nothing to do with us, but it far exceeded the worst imaginable, plunging us into a feeling akin to hitting rock bottom. We are devastated and confused by shock and anger towards Nagata.”

The parents wrote of their feelings. She also commented on the girl’s condition,

“My daughter has gradually come to understand that something bad has happened to her, and at night, she starts to have nightmares. She has become more attached to me than before and does not want to leave me.”

They explained further. Finally,

“If we could, we would turn back time and protect her, but that’s not possible. Only we can ease our daughter’s painful feelings. Whatever happens, we will never forgive. Please give Nagata the harshest punishment possible.”

She appealed.

“Due to the age where they may not recognize sexual abuse, these crimes are often difficult to surface. However, as they grow older, they may realize later that what they experienced was sexual abuse and may suffer greatly. They require thorough care,” stated a medical professional.

Nagata, listening to the prosecutor read aloud the statement with closed eyes and a solemn expression, appeared to show signs of remorse. However, even with the most severe punishment, forgiveness is not something that can be granted lightly.