A tragic fatal stabbing incident involving a Japanese live-streamer under the name of Ai Mogami in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, has caused widespread misinformation, mistakenly linking a voice actress of the same name to the crime.
The incident occurred on the morning of March 11, when Airi Sato (22), a streamer from Tama City, Tokyo, who streamed under the name of Ai Mogami, was fatally attacked while live streaming.
Authorities have arrested Kenichi Takano (42) from Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, who reportedly claimed to have lent her over 2 million yen, which had not been repaid. According to Tokyo Reporter, Takano stated that he had been transferring money to Sato for living expenses, including her mobile phone bills.
Voice Actress Ai Mogami Confirmed to Be Safe
The initial media reports vaguely described the victim as a “voice actress.” As the news spread, many online users mistakenly assumed that the victim was another Ai Mogami, the professional voice actress affiliated with Kaleidoscope Inc.. Confusion spread quickly, leading to misdirected concerns, comments, and messages towards the wrong Ai Mogami.
In response, Kaleidoscope Inc. released an official statement to clarify the situation:
Announcement Regarding Ai Mogami
We have confirmed that due to some online reports referring to the individual involved in the incident that occurred today, March 11 (Tuesday) in Takadanobaba as a “voice actor,” there has been a misunderstanding leading to our “Ai Mogami” being mistakenly identified.
We would like to express our deepest condolences to the victim of this incident. At the same time, we have confirmed the safety of Ai Mogami and would like to clarify that the individual involved is not affiliated with our company.
We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this may have caused to all related parties.
Additionally, we have confirmed that comments and direct messages (DMs) related to the incident have been sent to Ai Mogami’s social media accounts, and that unauthorized reuploads of their photos have been made.
As we have no connection to this incident, we kindly ask everyone to refrain from sending excessive comments or DMs to Ai Mogami’s social media accounts, as well as from unauthorized redistribution of their photos.
Kaleidoscope Inc.
Misinformation and Harassment on Social Media
Following the confusion, voice actress Ai Mogami’s social media accounts were flooded with comments, direct messages (DMs), and unauthorized re-uploads of her photos. Kaleidoscope Inc. has urged the public to:
- Refrain from sending excessive messages or DMs to Ai Mogami’s social media accounts.
- Avoid redistributing her photos in connection with this tragic event.
- Verify news reports before sharing speculation.
Details of the Incident
According to Jiji Press and Nippon News, the attack occurred near Takadanobaba Station around 9:50 a.m. The victim was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department arrested the man at the crime scene on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect reportedly told police he did not intend to kill the woman. However, authorities have confirmed that the victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck, head, and chest.
According to Tokyo Reporter, Takano stated, “I saw a preview of a streaming video in which Sato went around [on foot] the Yamanote Line, and came to Tokyo from my home in Tochigi Prefecture on the day of the incident.” Security camera footage confirmed that Takano ambushed Sato as she live-streamed on the street.
A 13-centimeter survival knife believed to have been used in the attack was recovered at the scene, along with an additional knife. Jiji Press states that police “plan” to upgrade the charge to murder, but have not officially done so yet. They are currently reviewing the suspect’s mental competency and possible motive. The police are also still verifying whether the suspect’s financial claims are legitimate and if the debt was the actual motive for the crime.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the late Airi Sato, and we extend our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Source: Kaleidoscope Official Website, JiJi Press, Nippon
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