Public anger is surging in Japan after a 21-year-old man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s teenage daughter was seen smiling and flashing a “V” sign from a police car on his way to prosecution.
According to local reports, the suspect, Ryoki Kubo, a construction worker, was transferred to prosecutors on October 1 on charges of abduction and indecent assault.
The crime occurred in August 2025. Kubo allegedly broke into the home of his girlfriend, threatened her teenage daughter, bound her with tape, and forced her into a vehicle where he committed lewd acts. The girl later testified: “I woke up to see a strange man in the living room. He tied my hands and feet, saying he might kill me if I didn’t obey.”
Her brother was also assaulted during the break-in but managed to alert their mother, who contacted police.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Kubo denied intending sexual assault, claiming: “I took her, but it wasn’t for indecent purposes. I just wanted to harass my girlfriend. The binding wasn’t forced, and I didn’t threaten her.”
On the day of his transfer, however, Kubo shocked the public by smiling at cameras, waving at reporters, and making a peace sign gesture. Many in Japan criticized his demeanor as “mocking the victim” and showing “zero remorse.”
Experts note this is not the first time East Asian societies have witnessed criminals smiling or behaving nonchalantly in front of cameras. In Korea, notorious cases include:
- Kim Lea (26), who murdered her ex-girlfriend in front of the victim’s mother in Hwaseong last year, reportedly laughed even as the women screamed.
- Park Dae Sung, who killed a high school student in Suncheon, was seen joking with investigators and smiling during his transfer.
Psychologists attribute such disturbing behavior to antisocial personality traits (psychopathy), often linked to social isolation, economic hardship, and suppressed rage.
This latest case has once again reignited debate in Japan about how media exposure may embolden criminals who seek notoriety rather than show remorse.
Sources: DongA Ilbo
You must be logged in to post a comment.