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Tokyo cops: Pro dancer accused in encounter with teen at hotel

Ichiro Watanabe (left) of the Ekoda Dance Academy
Ichiro Watanabe (left) of the Ekoda Dance Academy

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a professional dancer over an alleged illicit encounter with a teenage girl, reports Fuji News Network (June 9).

In July of last year, Ichiro Watanabe, a 36-year-old instructor at the Ekoda Dance Academy, allegedly paid 50,000 yen to the girl, who was 16 at the time, for sexual services inside a hotel in Shinjuku Ward.

Watanabe, who has been charged with child prostitution, admits to the charges. “Since it was one year ago, I don’t recall clearly but I have an idea about it,” the suspect is quoted by police.

Located in Nerima Ward, the academy provides lessons for social dances, such as the rumba.