Japanese prosecutor fights for justice after boss rapes her
“A Silent Storm” – One Jakarta Advocate Breaks the Silence
For years the victim’s voice had been muffled by fear and professional power. After the assault, the prosecutor remained in the public eye, a career that paled in the shadow of scandal. Yet she has chosen to expose the truth, refusing to regret the cost to her standing and personal life.
Whispers Turned to Protest
- “My life halted after the attack,” she told AFP in a tear‑filled interview.
- “My husband, unable to bear the pain, screamed as he punched a wall,” she recounted.
Allegations Against the Former Osaka Prosecutor
She claims that Ken’ya Kitagawa, the former chief of the Osaka District Public Prosecutor’s Office, violated her after a work event in 2018. Kitagawa was not arrested until June 2024, charged, and his public identity released.
- At his initial October hearing, he apologized and did not contest the case.
- In December, the lawyer testified that Kitagawa denied any acknowledgment of her lack of consent, persuading the public she had willingly given in.
- Kitagawa allegedly changed his stance following a press conference where the victim accused the prosecution of leaking investigation details.
Haunting Night
She was “unfamiliar” with strong drinks and lost memory mid‑party. A colleague recalled she, in a taxi, was forced into the vehicle. She woke up at Kitagawa’s home, being assaulted in what she described as a nightmarish scenario.
- She said: “I could not resist, terrified of death.”
- Initially she remained silent.
Public Pressure and Retaliation
Kitagawa appealed to her to stay quiet to avoid a scandal, threatening suicide. He had retired a year later, but her fear remained that he could still influence officials. She feared ignoring her complaint would be futile, so she opted to fight back.
Renewed Courage
Diagnosed with post‑traumatic stress disorder, she took leave and eventually filed a lawsuit in 2024. She wishes to restore calm in her personal life and continue her role as a prosecutor.
- “I simply want a safe working environment to help victims,” she states.
Backlash and Support
Released in September, she faced malicious rumors claiming her alleged consent and drunkenness. She believes these were propagated by those close to Kitagawa. She remains on leave, with her husband—an unwavering supporter—struggling to safeguard her well-being.
Unanswered Questions
Kitagawa’s lawyer has not responded to AFP inquiries. Hikari remains anonymous, maintaining the privacy of her face during interviews. Others in similar situations, such as journalist Shiori Ito and activist Rina Gonoi, have also faced retaliation yet succeeded in legal victories.
Footnoting Japan’s Awareness
Current statistics reveal 8.1 % of Japanese women have endured non‑consensual sex, with only 1.5 % seeking police help and 55.4 % staying silent. Yet conversations about sexual violence are increasing, spurred by professional support centers, legal reforms, and small-scale rallies sparked by high‑profile acquittals.
- The 2017 amendment widened the definition of rape; 2023 removed the requirement for evidence of violence or intimidation.
Realizing the Systemic Roots
Hikari highlights pervasive sexual harassment in the legal sphere. Public records confirm 21 prosecutors have faced disciplinary action for sexual misconduct in 16 years.
- “Officials feel empowered as they climb ranks,” she insists.
- “No external oversight, no shareholder pressure.”
Collective Protest
The advocacy group forwarded a petition in January, demanding a long prison sentence for Kitagawa and strict penalties for his associates. The petition exceeded 68,000 signatures.
She continues speaking publicly to affirm that victims are not responsible. “I cannot see your faces, but I stand beside you,” she concludes.
