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Woman dies in Tokyo after assault; boyfriend arrested



Japanese girl found not birthing at her home in Shibuya
In the photo, a Tokyo investigative police car is parked while investigations are carried out in a nearby apartment, where another investigator wearing white gloves stands guard. Photo: Ramiro Vargas / chilanga.com

Tokyo Japan: Friday, August 31, 2024 – Updated at 10:02 a.m. A tragic breaking news in a neighborhood like Tokyo, a woman of approximately 25 years old was found dead in an apartment in the Hiroo district, Tokyo, after being allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, when the woman, identified as Yu Murata, a resident of Chiba prefecture, was found collapsed in her partner's apartment. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Murata had marks on her face and body, suggesting that she was the victim of a violent assault.


According to local media, the main suspect is Ryotaro Masuda, 25, who admitted to the crime during an interrogation, mentioning that he hit the victim. "There is no doubt that I slapped her," Masuda told authorities. Following these statements, the Metropolitan Police Department proceeded to arrest him on suspicion of causing bodily harm, and a judicial autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.


The increase in violent crimes in relationships.


This tragic case is not an isolated incident in Japan. In recent years, there has been a worrying increase in violent crimes in the context of relationships. For example, in June of this year, a 30-year-old woman was murdered by her partner in an apartment in Yokohama after a domestic argument, and in March, a man was arrested in Osaka for strangling his girlfriend in the middle of a dispute.


These cases reflect an alarming trend of gender violence in Japan, where many victims, mostly young women, find themselves trapped in abusive relationships. In many cases, domestic violence remains an invisible problem due to cultural and social factors that make reporting and early intervention difficult.


Night jobs: an additional vulnerability for young women


Young Japanese women who work in night jobs, such as in bars, restaurants or clubs, are particularly vulnerable to situations of abuse and violence. These jobs, which often require irregular hours and long hours, expose them to high risks, as they frequently have to return home late at night, when safety is lower. In addition, many of these women work under precarious conditions and without adequate protection, which increases their vulnerability to being victims of physical or sexual assault.


This vulnerability is added to other social and economic factors, such as lack of family or community support, which exacerbate the situation and can contribute to family disintegration. The combination of violence in relationships and exposure to dangerous situations during night jobs represents a significant challenge for Japanese society, which still faces barriers to effectively addressing gender-based violence and protecting its most vulnerable young people.


The Metropolitan Police Department has urged the community to report any cases of abuse or domestic violence to prevent future tragedies and protect potential victims. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and civil organizations continue to work to raise awareness and promote structural changes that will ensure the safety and well-being of women in Japan.

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