Tokyo police have arrested a 35-year-old store manager at clothing chain Uniqlo on charges of violating laws against indecent filming without consent.
Suspect Kohei Takahashi, who manages the Atre Vie Otsuka Uniqlo branch in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward, allegedly recorded a female junior high school student, as well as other women, in fitting rooms. He has reportedly admitted to the charges, saying, "I couldn't suppress my urge to see what underwear the girls were wearing."
He is accused of using his smartphone to film eight women, including the 15-year-old girl, through the gaps in the fitting room curtains and doors between July 28 and Aug. 13.
According to police, Takahashi has been the store's manager since September last year and began filming in June this year. Investigators discovered 44 videos on his smartphone that appeared to have been recorded inside the store.
In August, Takahashi was questioned by police after he allegedly attempted to take upskirt photos of a high school girl on the Yamanote Line. During this investigation, police discovered evidence related to the current allegations when they examined his smartphone.
Uniqlo has issued a statement in response to the case, saying, "We take this matter seriously and will respond appropriately. We will review store security measures, including surveillance cameras, and reinforce employee training."
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