TOKYO - A 21-year-old woman who had realized her dream of working at a Pokémon Center was fatally stabbed by her former boyfriend inside a busy store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district on March 26th, in a case that has drawn renewed attention to the dangers of stalking-related violence.
The incident unfolded at around 7:15 p.m. at the Pokémon Center located within Sunshine City, which was crowded with visitors during the spring holiday period, when police received an emergency call reporting that a man armed with a knife was attacking people inside the store.
Footage from the scene showed a chaotic situation as alarms sounded and customers fled in panic, while police officers rushed to the scene. One witness said that while lining up at the register, they heard a loud noise from the back of the store, followed by people running out shouting “Help” and “Run.”
According to investigators, Hirokawa Daiki, 26, entered the store and headed directly toward the checkout counter, where he stabbed Harukawa Moe, a part-time employee, multiple times in the neck and other areas with what appeared to be a fruit knife. Hirokawa then stabbed himself in the neck and later died.
The knife used in the attack had a towel-like material wrapped around its handle, possibly to prevent slipping. A backpack containing identification documents in Hirokawa’s name was later recovered from a restroom on the same floor.
Harukawa, described by neighbors as a kind and stylish young woman who often helped her family, had recently begun working at the Pokémon Center after leaving a fast-food job in Tokyo’s Hachioji area, where she had met Hirokawa. The two began dating in October 2024 but broke up in July 2025 after Hirokawa reportedly told her, “Working at the Pokémon Center doesn’t suit you. Quit.”
Even after the breakup, Hirokawa continued to stalk Harukawa, including leaving Pokémon card gifts at the entrance of her home, according to investigative sources.
In December 2025, Harukawa consulted the Metropolitan Police Department, saying she was being followed. Hirokawa was later arrested on suspicion of violating the anti-stalking law after appearing near her home, where a fruit knife was found in his car.
A restraining order was issued in January 2026, at which time Hirokawa reportedly said he wanted to reconcile and would stay away. He was subsequently indicted in summary proceedings, fined 800,000 yen, and released.
Police maintained contact with Harukawa following the incident, with her reporting no abnormalities as recently as March 12th, before the fatal attack occurred.
Friends said Harukawa had long dreamed of working at the Pokémon Center and appeared happy after starting the job, though they also noticed signs of fear toward men following the stalking ordeal.
“She was cheerful when we met, but there were moments when you could sense she was afraid of men,” one friend said, adding, “It’s truly heartbreaking and devastating.”
Authorities had advised her to consider changing workplaces, but Harukawa reportedly declined, saying she could not quit a job she had always dreamed of.
The case has reignited debate over how to prevent stalking from escalating into violence, with calls for stronger intervention measures.
Hiramatsu Hidetoshi, a commentator at Fuji Television, said that compulsory treatment for offenders should be considered, suggesting that instead of suspended sentences, mandatory treatment programs could help prevent repeat incidents.
“Unless bold preventive measures are introduced, similar tragedies will continue to occur,” Hiramatsu said.
Source: FNN
