TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have revealed that a 26-year-old man suspected in the fatal stabbing of his former girlfriend last week at the Pokémon Center in Toshima Ward had previously told her to “quit” her job at the center, reports TV Asahi (Mar. 28).
On the night of March 26, Taiki Hirokawa allegedly attacked 21-year-old Moe Harukawa, a part-time employee at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo located inside the Sunshine City commercial complex. Harukawa sustained over a dozen stab wounds, primarily to her neck.
According to investigative sources, security camera footage captured Harukawa attempting to flee toward the back of the store’s register counter. Hirokawa chased her down, pinned her to the floor and alternately stabbed Harukawa and his own neck until he lost consciousness. Both were later confirmed dead.
Police believe the fatal attack was fueled by Harukawa’s refusal to leave her job and Hirokawa’s subsequent, one-sided obsession.
“Quit”
The pair dated for about nine months starting in October 2024. Harukawa reportedly told police she decided to end the relationship after Hirokawa repeatedly belittled her position, telling her, “Working at the Pokemon Center doesn’t suit you, quit.”
Harukawa, however, had started the job in July 2025 and considered it her absolute “dream.”
Following the split, Hirokawa’s behavior escalated into stalking. He repeatedly left items, including Pokemon cards, as “gifts” at the front door of Harukawa’s residence. Harukawa had previously consulted the Metropolitan Police Department about his relentless behavior.
Stalking
Although Hirokawa was arrested last year on suspicion of stalking, he refused to undergo recommended psychiatric and medical consultations.
Police had also strongly advised Harukawa to change her workplace for her own safety, but she declined the advice, insisting that working at the store was her lifelong dream.
Tokyo police are continuing to investigate the incident as a murder with strong murderous intent that culminated in a murder-suicide.
