Tokyo Streamer Fatally Stabbed During Live Broadcast; Suspect Arrested

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Japanese police have arrested 42-year-old Kenji Takano on suspicion of attempted murder following the fatal stabbing of influencer Airi Sato, 22, during a livestream on a busy street in Tokyo on March 11, 2025. Takano has been sent to prosecutors, but charges have yet to be filed, according to Tokyo metropolitan police.

Witnesses reported hearing Sato scream for help just before her stream abruptly cut off, leaving viewers in shock as sirens echoed in the background. Police indicate that she suffered over 30 stab wounds to her upper body and was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a hospital.

Takano allegedly had a personal relationship with Sato, which soured over a financial dispute involving 2.5 million yen (approximately $17,000). Reports suggest that he tracked her location through the livestream to carry out the attack with a survival knife. While he admitted to the stabbing, he claimed he did not intend to kill her. Japan, known for strict gun control, has seen an increase in violent knife attacks in recent years.

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