22-Year-Old Male Teacher Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Middle School Girl in Vacant House

The crime appears to have been committed in an empty house on two occasions.

On July 9th, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Ayase Police Station arrested Mr. Soma Kato, a special needs school teacher residing in Kamiko, Saitama Prefecture, on suspicion of non-consensual sexual acts. He is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl, referred to as “A,” in December of last year and January of this year. “A” is a female middle school student living in Tokyo, and she reportedly met Mr. Kato through an online smartphone game. They exchanged messages on social media and eventually met in person.

“A-san, the victim, is a female middle school student living in Tokyo. She got acquainted with Mr. Kato through an online smartphone game. They exchanged messages on social media and eventually met in person. Mr. Kato is accused of sexually assaulting A-san twice in an empty house in Kamiko City. The crime scene was a vacant property owned by Mr. Kato’s relatives, where no one lived.

At the time of the crime, Mr. Kato was a university student. He was hired as a special needs school teacher in April of this year. It is alleged that Mr. Kato was aware that A-san was a minor. Immediately after the incident, the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education commented that they were taking the matter very seriously.” (National newspaper social affairs reporter)

A-san, the victim, consulted her mother after the assault. In January of this year, her mother reported the incident to the Ayase Police Station, leading to the discovery of Mr. Kato’s actions. According to police investigations, Mr. Kato has admitted to the crime. Our magazine photographer captured Mr. Kato’s transfer to custody on the day after his arrest. His expression revealed no discernible emotions as he gazed vacantly at the press.

What is truly bewildering is the motive behind the crime. According to police statements:

“It was to satisfy my own sexual desires.”

The police continue to investigate Mr. Kato’s other potential offenses.