Sexual assault accusation faced by Japanese prosecutor in pursuit of justice
In a courageous move that has sparked national conversation, Hikari, a prosecutor in Japan, has come forward with allegations of rape against her former boss, Kentaro Kitagawa, the former chief prosecutor of Osaka. Hikari's case, shrouded in controversy and silence for years, has now gained significant attention.
Hikari, whose face remains hidden during interviews and news conferences, alleges that the assault occurred in 2018. She claims she was not accustomed to drinking strong alcohol and lost her memory during an office gathering. The next thing she knew, she was in Kitagawa's home, being raped.
This case has shed light on a broader social issue in Japan, where very few women report rape. According to the latest government figures, 8.1% of Japanese women have experienced non-consensual sex, yet only 1.5% of these women contacted the police, and 55.4% stayed silent.
Hikari's case is not an isolated incident. Other victims, such as journalist Shiori Ito and Rina Gonoi, have come forward with similar accusations. Unfortunately, they too have faced online hate and malicious rumours.
Kitagawa was not arrested until June 2024 and was later charged. However, as of mid-August 2025, there are no public reports of a conviction or legal resolution in this case. The situation focuses on Hikari's courageous decision to come forward and the ongoing fight for acknowledgment and justice.
Seisen University Professor Kaori Okamoto has stated that the idea of talking about sexual violence is spreading. She observes an increase in people consulting support centers, indicating a growing awareness and acceptance of these issues.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the rampant sexual harassment in the Japanese legal world. Hikari believes that such incidents are prevalent and that more needs to be done to address and eradicate this problem.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Kitagawa's lawyer has not responded to an AFP request for comment. Reports also suggest that Kitagawa threatened suicide if Hikari went public with the assault.
As this case unfolds, Hikari continues to fight for justice, hoping to bring change and create a safer environment for women in Japan. Her bravery and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for many who have experienced similar traumas.
[1] The Japan Times: Japanese prosecutor accuses former boss of rape [2] NHK World: Japanese prosecutor goes public with rape allegations against former boss [4] BBC News: Japanese prosecutor accuses former boss of rape
- The allegations of rape against Kentaro Kitagawa, a former high-ranking prosecutor in Japan, have sparked a nationwide discussion about sexual violence in the legal world.
- Hikari, a prosecutor in Japan who recently accused her former boss of rape, insists that such incidents are not uncommon and more action is required to combat them.
- While Kitagawa's lawyer has not commented on the accusations, reports suggest that he threatened suicide if Hikari went public with her story.
- The findings from Seisen University indicate a growing awareness and acceptance of sexual violence issues in Japan, as more people are seeking help from support centers.
- Hikari's bravery in coming forward with her allegations has encouraged other sexual assault victims, such as journalist Shiori Ito and Rina Gonoi, to also speak out.
- The case of Hikari, who was allegedly raped by her former boss in 2018, has shed light on the limited reporting of rape incidents in Japan, where only 1.5% of victims contact the police.
- Despite the controversy surrounding the case, Hikari remains adamant in her pursuit of justice, hoping to create a safer environment for women in Japan.
- Media outlets such as The Japan Times, NHK World, and BBC News have covered the story extensively, emphasizing its impact on the ongoing conversation about crime and justice in Japan.
