44‑year‑old Saitama man charged with kidnapping and sexual assault of 13‑year‑old girl

A 44‑year‑old individual investor, Shima Ken‑go, was arrested on March 15 2026 in Saitama Prefecture on suspicion of kidnapping a 13‑year‑old girl after contacting her through social media and offering a “cough suppressant” as a gift. He drove the girl to a hotel in Tokyo’s Toshima ward, where he engaged in sexual intercourse despite knowing she was under the age of consent. The prosecutor’s indictment alleges kidnapping of a minor and non‑consensual sexual intercourse with a person under 16. Shima initially acknowledged the charges but later claimed no memory of the events. His trial is scheduled for June 23, where the court will consider the evidence and determine a verdict.