“The location was in the red-light district of Kabukicho, Shinjuku. The incident occurred last July. At the time, Ms. A had run away from home and was loitering around the ‘To-Yoko’ area near the Shinjuku Toho Building. Kobayashi was frequenting To-Yoko and appeared to act as a scout for adult entertainment establishments.
According to police, Ms. A told Kobayashi that she was ‘short on money.’ Kobayashi allegedly responded, ‘I know a good place,’ and introduced her to a nearby cabaret club on the same day. Despite knowing she would be soliciting customers at night, he handed over a minor to an adult entertainment establishment. It is believed that he was working in collusion with the club. Kobayashi has reportedly stated, ‘She told me she was 18″The club Ms. A was introduced to is called “I.” In February, police arrested employees of “I” for making underage girls solicit customers late at night. During questioning, one of the employees reportedly stated, “I’ve been introduced to others as well.” Based on this, authorities believe Kobayashi had been introducing multiple underage girls to adult entertainment establishments.
A photographer from a magazine captured footage of Kobayashi being transported to the police station immediately after his arrest. With a tattoo on his neck, he showed no sign of remorse and simply stared at the gathered reporters.
