TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of a 38-year-old male teacher for allegedly taking photos of nude boys, reports Nikkan Sports (Nov. 27).
In May, Masamichi Kumazawa, an elementary school teacher in Mitaka City, allegedly instructed male students to remove their clothes and pose for photographs at his residence in Suginami Ward.
Kumazawa has been charged with violating child pornography and prostitution laws. “I could make the children behave as a I want,” the suspect is quoted by police, according to TV Asahi (Nov. 25). “I didn’t take the photos against their will.”
Police believe the suspect has been taking such photos for the past seven years, according to Fuji News Network (Nov. 27). An examination of a personal computer found in his residence revealed images of nude boys. The total number of victims is estimated to be around 10.
Over 10 years ago, Kumazawa formed a club at the school that included only male students. During sessions of the club, which were held several times each month, the boys flew kites, played in a park and went swimming.
Between June and November of last year, parents of two girls lodged complaints with the Mitaka Board of Education about misbehavior by Kumazawa. In March of this year, the principal of the school warned the suspect.
“It is excusable that we have lost the trust of the children and parents,” a board representative says. “We will strive to restore confidence and prevent a recurrence.”