SHIGA (TR) – Shiga Prefectural Police have arrested a 34-year-old prefectural high school teacher on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a public facility in Nagahama City, reports NHK (Sep. 28).
Takumi Hashimoto, a resident of the city’s Hirakata area, is accused of grabbing the high school student around her upper body and sexually assaulting her on August 17.
Upon his arrest, Hashimoto fully admitted to the allegations. “There is no mistake,” the suspect told investigators during questioning. Police are currently investigating the detailed circumstances leading up to the incident.
The crime came to light after the victim’s mother consulted with local police about the assault.
In response to the arrest, the Prefectural Board of Education issued a statement addressing the scandal. “We will confirm the facts and take strict action,” the board said. “We will also strive to strengthen guidance for our teachers in order to restore the trust of the prefecture’s residents.”
