FUKUOKA (TR) – A court here has handed a 46-year-old company executive a prison term for a random, knifepoint sexual assault in Fukuoka City earlier this year.
During the proceedings at the Fukuoka District Court, Kenji Imamura admitted to the charges, blaming his violent actions on the influence of methamphetamine, reports RKB Mainichi Broadcasting (Sep. 27).
Imamura was accused of grabbing a woman in her 20s from behind as she walked along a sidewalk in Nishi Ward at around 5:00 a.m. on February 22. Taking advantage of the deserted streets during the middle of a three-day weekend, Imamura allegedly brandished a knife and threatened the victim, warning her, “If you look at my face, I’ll stab you.”
He then forced the terrified woman into a nearby monthly parking lot. There, he used the blade to cut her bra straps and clothes, rendering her completely paralyzed by fear. Imamura then sexually assaulted the unresisting victim during a horrifying ordeal that lasted for approximately 40 minutes.
On September 16, presiding judge Koji Ohashi described the incident as a “despicable and malicious crime that trampled upon the victim’s dignity.”
Stating that “a lengthy term of actual imprisonment is unavoidable,” the court sentenced Imamura to six years in prison.
“I don’t remember if I took her underwear”
The crime came to light when the victim contacted police, reporting, “I was grabbed and my underwear was stolen.” Investigators quickly zeroed in on Imamura after analyzing security camera footage from the area. Police confirmed the two had no prior connection, describing the incident as an entirely random street attack.
During police questioning following his arrest, Imamura was vague about certain details but admitted to the core allegations, saying he was under the influence of kakuseizai (methamphetamine).
“I don’t remember if I took her underwear,” Imamura told investigators. “As for the sexual intercourse, I had lost my reason due to the influence of drugs, but I think I did it.”
Imamura was subsequently indicted for non-consensual sexual intercourse and violations of the Stimulants Control Law for both use and possession.
During his ongoing trial, Imamura and his defense team have not disputed the charges or the facts of the case. The court proceedings are now focused solely on determining the severity of his sentence.
