Society

Over 400 Women Allegedly Victimized by Tokyo Spa Owner

TOKYO, Nov 07 (News On Japan) - A relaxation spa owner in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward has been arrested on suspicion of committing indecent acts against female clients, with authorities estimating over 400 potential victims.

Masafumi Ogawa, 46, allegedly performed indecent acts and secretly filmed a female client in her 30s last month under the guise of providing spa treatment at his business.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Ogawa reportedly told clients they had “negative energy” and that “purifying the body” was necessary, encouraging them to disrobe entirely before engaging in inappropriate acts.

He is also suspected of secretly filming clients in the changing rooms.

During questioning, Ogawa denied the allegations, saying, “I don’t know if I did it or not.”

More than 4,000 videos suspected to be voyeuristic recordings were discovered on Ogawa’s computer, and the police are investigating further to confirm the identities of at least 400 victims.

Source: ANN

Typhoon No. 26 Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Okinawa

Typhoon No. 26 was located over the Bashi Channel as of 9 a.m. on November 12th, moving north at a speed of about 10 kilometers per hour. Moist air from the storm is feeding into a stationary front near Okinawa, leading to the development of rain clouds and prompting warnings for heavy rainfall in Okinawa and the Amami region.

Mother of 12-Year-Old Thai Girl Caught In Prostitution Gets Arrest Warrant

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for the mother of a 12-year-old Thai girl who was illegally employed at a massage parlor in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, on suspicion of violating the Child Welfare Act.

Suica Penguin to Retire in 2026

JR East announced on November 11th that it will retire the beloved Suica penguin mascot at the end of fiscal 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the Suica transportation IC card service, and will introduce a new character from fiscal 2027.

Bear Attacks Car in Hokkaido

A series of bear encounters across Japan is causing growing alarm, with several prefectures reporting aggressive behavior and issuing emergency shooting orders. In one incident last week in Hokkaido, a bear charged at a car and growled as it pursued the vehicle, forcing the driver to reverse to escape, with claw marks later found on the hood.

Japan Mulls Vouchers to Ease High Food Prices

The government is moving to include the use of “okome-ken,” or rice vouchers, in its upcoming package of economic measures. The vouchers can be used to purchase rice and other food items and have already been distributed by several municipalities as part of local initiatives to offset rising living costs.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Boy Falls to Death From 10th Floor Apartment

A boy believed to be an elementary school student died after falling from a high-rise apartment in Sendai City on November 11th. Police said that around 3:20 p.m., the boy, estimated to be in his early teens and living in the same building, was found unconscious in the courtyard of a 15-story apartment complex and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Princess Aiko Visits Imperial Mausoleums Ahead of Laos Trip

Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, paid her respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Showa and other imperial tombs in Hachioji, Tokyo, ahead of her official visit to Laos later this month.

Five People Injured in Bear Attacks Across Japan

A series of bear attacks were reported across Japan on November 9th, injuring five people in total, including a man in his 50s who was attacked at around 4 a.m. while preparing for his restaurant’s opening in Sannohe, Aomori Prefecture.

Yeah… Japan Has Slums Too (They Just Hit Different)

Welcome to Japan's biggest slum, where survival is the only currency that matters. For the 20,000 people here in Kamagasaki, home is often the street. It's a strangely quiet slum, built on a brutal economic logic: a bowl of ramen might only cost 500 yen, but a tiny 3-tatami-mat room can cost $350 a month. (Andrew Fraser)