TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have launched a public search for a 12-year-old British girl who vanished from a vacation rental in the capital after telling her family she wanted to visit an “anime holy site,” reports the Asahi Shimbun (Aug. 15).
Carmelita Lakdesha Paul arrived in Japan on July 21 for a holiday with her parents and older brother. Her mother noticed she was missing from their minpaku (private lodging) in Ota Ward at around 8:30 a.m. on August 13, prompting a frantic call to police an hour later.
According to the Kamata Police Station, security camera footage near the facility captured the young girl jogging away at the time of her disappearance.
While she does not own a smartphone, her mother confirmed she left with a change of clothes, a transit IC card, and several thousand yen in cash.
Travel to Yokohama City
Investigators revealed that Paul is a massive fan of the hit anime series “Bungo Stray Dogs.” Before she went missing, she reportedly told her family she wanted to travel to Yokohama City, which serves as a real-life backdrop — or “holy site” — for the show.
As of 9:00 a.m. on August 15, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Police describe Paul as 160 centimeters tall with curly black hair. She was last seen wearing a light blue sleeveless shirt, a black-and-white checkered skirt, and black pumps, while carrying a pink tote bag.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Kamata Police Station at 03-3731-0110.
