Man Arrested for Allegedly Harassing High School Girls on Morning Train

The man sitting in the back seat of the police vehicle appeared to be facing the investigators and smiling.

The man arrested on suspicion of indecent acts towards high school girls took a shocking action immediately afterward. Our photographer captured the scene of him being transported to the police station. After displaying what seemed like a smile, he covered his face with both hands to hide from the press.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Central Station arrested 34-year-old office worker Yoshiaki Takizawa from Koto Ward, Tokyo, on August 29th, on suspicion of non-consensual indecent acts and property damage.

“The incident leading to the arrest occurred on the morning of July 17th, shortly after 8:00 AM. Takizawa is accused of targeting women within the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line station and finding a high school girl, A, who was on her way to school. Following her, he boarded the crowded Tozai Line train and stood behind her, allegedly pressing his body against hers and touching her buttocks for about seven minutes. Additionally, he is said to have deposited bodily fluids on A’s uniform.

After exiting the subway, A reported the incident to a police officer at the station, leading to the discovery of the crime. Security cameras captured Takizawa following A. In response to police questioning, Takizawa denies the charges, stating, ‘I did not do it. I have no recollection of the incident,’” reported a journalist from a national newspaper’s social affairs department.

 

An elementary school teacher with a female middle school student…

Incidents of indecent acts against minors on trains are unending. Here are some major cases that have occurred in recent years.

・In November 2020, a male elementary school teacher was arrested on suspicion of committing indecent acts with a minor. During the evening rush hour on a private railway train, the man stood behind a female middle school student near the door and exposed his lower body. He is said to have deposited bodily fluids on the student’s wrist. A station employee, who heard the crying student after she exited the train, reported the incident to the police. The arrest was made based on security camera footage and other evidence.

・In January 2024, a male restaurant employee was arrested on suspicion of non-consensual sexual intercourse. The man is said to have approached a high school girl on a train crowded with commuters and students, reached into her skirt, and touched her lower body. A nearby passenger noticed the abnormal behavior, grabbed the man’s hand, and made him get off at the next station. Although the man tried to escape, the station staff quickly called 110, leading to his arrest. It is reported that he had been involved in about 50 similar incidents over the past two years.

Indecent incidents on trains continue unabated. The police are recommending the use of the anti-crime app ‘Digitopolis,’ which displays messages such as “This is a molester. Please help” on smartphone screens.