Hidden Abuse Behind Itabashi Murder: The Devoted Father Suspect

Burns from wrestling moves. The harsh reality of severe bullying.

The full extent of this horrific incident is gradually coming to light.

On December 8, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Sasaki Manabu (39), the president of the painting company “MA Kensou,” and three others on suspicion of murder and kidnapping. The suspects are accused of having kept Takano Osamu (56 at the time), a sole proprietor who had contracted work for the company, confined inside a car in Itabashi Ward last December and forcing him into a railway crossing, where he was killed in a collision with a train.

“Initially, it was believed that Takano had entered the crossing on his own. However, the reality is that Sasaki and the others had been holding Takano captive in a car since the previous day. They eventually took him to the railway crossing, where they forced him to be hit by a train. It is also believed that they watched the events unfold from a nearby location.

What makes this investigation unusual is that the arrest was made on charges of murder, not incitement to suicide. Since the four did not directly carry out the act, a murder charge would typically not apply. However, the decision to arrest them for murder seems to stem from the persistent efforts of the investigators. Among the four arrested, one had a video on their smartphone showing them applying wrestling moves on the victim and causing burns. Evidence also confirmed that the abuse escalated to include the horrifying act of inserting a stick into the victim’s anus. Based on such physical evidence, the authorities believe they can charge the suspects with murder, as they left the victim in a mentally trapped state at the railway crossing.” (National newspaper reporter)

Before their arrest, the suspects reportedly explained during voluntary questioning that the abuse was part of an educational process.

Sasaki’s company, “MA Kensou,” is a small painting business located in Kodaira City, Tokyo, where Takano worked and Sasaki served as president. It is believed that a harsh hierarchical structure within the company led to severe bullying of Takano.

However, this was an internal matter. According to local residents, Sasaki presented a positive image to the outside world.

“Sasaki moved here about two years ago. Since then, we’ve seen him having barbecues in his yard and playing catch with his children. This summer, we also saw him setting up a vinyl pool in his front yard. He was a devoted father, and the neighborhood saw him as a good dad.”

 

 

Cancelling his beloved baseball plans at the last minute.

In June of this year, before his arrest, our magazine captured images of Sasaki. Around 7 a.m., Sasaki was seen leaving his home and having a cigarette with his wife in front of their house. After a while, he reappeared, walking with a displeased expression, smoking as he headed in the direction of the work site. Although he appeared somewhat weary before heading to work, there was no sign of guilt or remorse regarding the incident on his face.

Sasaki hid his dark side and continued his normal daily life. However, one local resident noticed something unusual.

“Sasaki was part of the local baseball team, and he sometimes attended youth baseball practices, coaching the kids for about an hour with great enthusiasm. He also sometimes served as a referee for the games. But I remember in December last year, he suddenly contacted us, saying, ‘I’ve got some issues at work, and I need someone to replace me as the referee.’ At the time, I didn’t ask too many questions, but looking back now, it might have been related to the incident.”

There were other signs of something wrong.

“Actually, his wife has been ill since the end of last year and has been seeing a doctor. I heard it was stress-related, and that it had affected her mental health. She’s usually very energetic and cheerful, so it was strange to see her suddenly like that. The timing of her illness coincides exactly with the timing of the incident.” (Another local resident)

This incident, uncovered after a year-long investigation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, has yet to see the four suspects disclose their involvement. In order to bring justice to the victim, investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the case.