37-Year-Old Man Arrested for Parking Lot Assault After 20-Minute Search

The man, who entered the police station immediately after his arrest, appeared flustered.

Noticing the gathered press, including our magazine’s cameraman, he showed a startled expression. Likely feeling awkward and ashamed, he quickly lowered his head and pulled the hood of his coat over his face to hide it.

By January 8, the Chofu Police Station of the Metropolitan Police Department had arrested Takashi Shinkawa (37), who claims to be a part-time worker, on suspicion of non-consensual intercourse. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s, referred to as Ms. A, on a street in Chofu City, Tokyo.

“The incident occurred late at night on November 18 last year. Shinkawa appeared in front of Ms. A, who was on her way home, and suddenly exposed his lower body on the street. Startled, Ms. A was grabbed by the arm and forcibly taken to a nearby parking lot, where Shinkawa allegedly embraced her from behind, put his hand inside her underwear, and touched her lower body.

As Ms. A fiercely resisted, Shinkawa fled in his car. Ms. A then sought help from a nearby person and reported the incident to the police, leading to the case coming to light. There was no prior acquaintance between Ms. A and Shinkawa.” (National newspaper social affairs reporter)

“I have no recollection of this incident.”

 

Mr. Shinkawa is believed to have targeted a woman of his preference before committing the crime. Surveillance cameras captured his suspicious behavior, showing him moving back and forth around the crime scene by car and on foot for approximately 20 minutes. However, during police questioning, he denied the allegations, stating:

“I have absolutely no recollection of this. I have no idea what this is about.”

In recent years, there has been a series of incidents where women have been victims of sexual assault on the streets late at night. In July 2023, a man in his 30s was arrested in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward for allegedly groping the chest of a female college student from behind as she was on her way home. In August of the same year, a man in his 50s riding a bicycle in Nerima Ward reportedly collided with a teenage girl and then cornered her, saying, “My basket is broken. Pay with your body,” before sexually assaulting her.

What measures can be taken to prevent such incidents late at night? Former Kanagawa Prefectural Police detective and crime journalist Taihei Ogawa explains:

“It’s essential to walk on well-lit, busy main streets whenever possible. Taking shortcuts through deserted parks or alleys is extremely dangerous. Also, avoid using your smartphone while walking. If you’re watching videos or listening to music with earphones, you may not notice if someone suspicious approaches.

Additionally, using your phone can slow your walking speed, making you an easier target for attackers. People tend to let their guard down on their usual routes home, but at night, even on familiar paths, it’s crucial to stay alert and look around frequently.”

Regarding the aforementioned case, police are continuing to investigate whether Mr. Shinkawa has committed other similar offenses.