YouTuber Fatally Stabbed During Live Stream in Tokyo—Tragedy Unfolds in Real Time
A horrifying moment unfolded in Tokyo when a YouTuber was fatally stabbed during a live stream.
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The victim, Airi Sato, was attacked in broad daylight while walking through Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. Viewers who were tuned into her stream reportedly heard her crying for help before the broadcast abruptly ended. Authorities say the attacker, 42-year-old Kenichi “Kenji” Takano, allegedly used landmarks in her background to track her exact location.
What We Know About the Fatal Attack
YouTuber Fatally Stabbed During Live Stream in Tokyo—Timeline of the Incident
The stabbing occurred around 9:50 a.m. as Airi Sato walked through a busy area in the Shinjuku Ward, according to reports from PEOPLE. Witnesses say the livestream caught Sato screaming before the video was cut off, leaving viewers confused and alarmed. Investigators said Sato was stabbed multiple times in her neck and chest and was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
One bystander reported seeing a man in a black hat violently attacking the victim. Shortly after, authorities identified the suspect as Kenichi Takano, who allegedly tracked Sato using building landmarks in her livestream background.
Investigators say the attack was not random. Takano told police that he had known Sato since 2021, claiming they met online and began interacting regularly in 2022. He also claimed to have lent her over 2 million yen (roughly $13,500) over time—money he says was never paid back.
Suspect Claims Financial Motive Behind Attack
Tracking the Victim Through Her Own Livestream
Investigators are now uncovering what appears to be a disturbing obsession fueled by personal resentment and financial disputes. Takano allegedly traveled all the way from Oyama to Tokyo after seeing Sato post about her upcoming livestream on social media.
According to police, Takano and Sato had previously spoken with law enforcement outside of Tokyo regarding their financial disagreements, but things clearly escalated beyond what anyone expected.
Authorities believe Takano’s motive was connected to unpaid debts he claimed Sato owed him. His use of livestream footage to pinpoint her location and confront her in real-time.
Takano maintains that he did not intend to kill Sato once he confronted her despite police finding two knives in his possession.
