Japanese Man in His 20s Accused of Kidnapping Girlfriend’s Daughter and Lewd Acts Sparks Outrage After Smiling and Flashing V-Sign

Kidnaps Girlfriend’s Daughter, Commits Lewd Acts in Car
Controversy Over V-Sign Gesture During Transfer to Prosecution
“No Remorse at All” Sparks Public Outrage in Japan

A man in his 20s from Japan, accused of kidnapping his girlfriend’s daughter and committing lewd acts, was seen smiling and making a V sign toward the cameras during his transfer to the prosecution, sparking public outrage in Japan.

A man in his 20s from Japan was arrested on charges of kidnapping the teenage daughter of his girlfriend, tying her hands and feet, and committing lewd acts. Photo captured from FNN report.

On October 1, Japanese media outlets such as Yomiuri TV and Fuji News Network (FNN) reported that the police had referred Kubo Ryoki, 21, to the prosecution on charges including kidnapping for obscene purposes and non-consensual lewd acts (forcible indecency).

When Kubo was being transferred to the prosecution in a police vehicle, he noticed the cameras of the press, smiled, and made a V sign with both hands, which was captured on camera.

Japanese netizens criticized Kubo’s demeanor, describing it as “unremorseful.” One netizen commented, “At 21, he is still young, which means there is a high possibility of reoffending. He should be isolated from society.” Another said, “It is unbelievable that he would make a V sign in front of the cameras. He shows no sign of remorse whatsoever.”

Kubo, a construction worker, allegedly broke into the home of his girlfriend, a woman in her 40s, at the end of August by smashing a window. He then forcibly took her teenage daughter, referred to as A, out of the house, threatened her, put her in a vehicle, and committed lewd acts inside the car.

A was reportedly found in the car with her hands and feet bound with tape. In a police interview, A testified, “Kubo said, ‘If you don’t do as I say, I might kill you,’ and tied up my hands and feet.”

At the time of the incident, the woman’s son contacted his mother, saying, “A man came in and hit me.” Upon hearing this, the woman immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to Kubo’s arrest. Kubo has also been indicted for choking and striking the son of his girlfriend.

During police questioning, Kubo denied the charges, stating, “I did take the victim from her home, but it was not for obscene purposes.”

In a subsequent investigation, it was revealed that Kubo stated, “I targeted my girlfriend’s child because I thought hurting something precious to her would cause her pain.”

Local police believe there were financial issues between Kubo and his girlfriend and are investigating the detailed circumstances of the case.