Former Osaka chief prosecutor charged with rape of subordinate in 1818

OSAKA (TR) – A former accuser is now the defendant – and he's on trial.

In a trial that began Friday in the Osaka District Court, the former chief prosecutor of the Osaka District Prosecutor's Office apparently pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

According to the indictment, in September 2018, 65-year-old Kentaro Kitagawa sexually assaulted an intoxicated subordinate who was unable to resist, TBS News reports (October 25).

Six years have passed since the incident, which occurred when Kitagawa was chief prosecutor. This year, the victim reported the incident to a senior prosecutor.

The Osaka Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which oversees the Osaka District Prosecutor's Office, then took the unusual step of arresting Kitagawa.

“Ace of the Kansai Prosecutor’s Office

Kitagawa, who became prosecutor in 1985, consistently pursued the elite course and held key positions in the Kobe District Prosecutor's Office, the Osaka District Prosecutor's Office and the Osaka Chief Prosecutor's Office. He was known as the “Ace of the Kansai Prosecutor's Office.”

Kitagawa was accused of quasi-forced sexual intercourse for sexually assaulting the drunken subordinate who was unable to resist his advances.

On Friday, Kitagawa admitted the allegations, saying: “I admit the allegations and will not deny them. I would like to sincerely apologize to the victim for the serious harm I have caused.”

He then apologized: “I am sorry for causing so much trouble to the prosecutor and other parties involved and for causing a public uproar.”

“Now you are my wife”

The details of the incident were revealed in the prosecution's opening statement. That day, Kitagawa and the victim had dinner with other prosecutors at a social gathering in Osaka.

The social gathering was a “celebration of the appointment of the Attorney General.” It was organized by the victim. However, the victim was so drunk that he fell on his desk and was unable to walk normally.

Kitagawa invited her to a second party, but she declined and tried to take a taxi home. Kitagawa got into the taxi and was taken to his official residence.

When the victim sobered up, she realized she was being sexually abused. Even when she begged Kitagawa to go home, he said, “Now you are my wife” and continued the sexual assault.

“I’ll spoil you until the statute of limitations expires”

Even after the sexual assault, the victim had no choice but to contact Kitagawa for professional reasons.

In a conversation immediately after the incident, Kitagawa said in a lighthearted tone, “I will treat you to meals until the statute of limitations expires.”

“I will have no choice but to commit suicide”

Kitagawa then withdrew from his position as chief prosecutor for “personal reasons.” He also asked the victim in writing not to report the incident.

“If this case becomes public,” he said, “I will not be able to survive and will have no choice but to commit suicide.”

The defendant also said: “The Osaka District Prosecutor's Office will no longer be able to fulfill its task.” It will no longer be able to function as an organization. It will become a major scandal, comparable to the Osaka incident [evidence tampering case by the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Division].”

He added: “Please do not do this for me, but for the Osaka District Prosecutor's Office, of which you are a member.”

The victim tearfully explains why she couldn't report the incident

After the first hearing, the subordinate, who is currently a prosecutor, held a press conference.

When asked why she held the press conference today, she tearfully replied: “The defendant admitted and agreed with the allegations, so I decided to speak now.” For about six years… I have suffered for so long . Why didn't he admit his guilt sooner? If he had admitted his guilt sooner, I could have come forward sooner, put this experience behind me and started a new life.”

She then talked about why she couldn't get in touch for so long. She said: “They held the prosecutor's office and staff hostage and told me to keep quiet and threatened me. “If I make it public, you will die,” they said. So I couldn’t get in touch.”

Even though Kitagawa admitted the allegations, her stance remains unchanged. “It won’t ease my feelings about punishment,” she said.