In response to a query from the judge about the accuracy of the charges, the defendant, Ms. Watanabe, admitted, “No, there are no inaccuracies in the charges.” The defense also indicated a non-contentious stance regarding the factual aspects of the case.
Key points from the prosecution’s opening statement:
- After graduating from high school, Watanabe dropped out of a vocational school.
- She worked at Fuzoku establishment.
- She has a husband of Vietnamese nationality.
- Despite heavily investing in hosts, she found herself in financial dire straits, prompting her to seek financial support from clients at fuzoku establishments. She succeeded in fostering romantic feelings and relationships with male clients by telling them various lies, such as being in dire financial straits.
- She repeatedly deceived men and obtained money from them, referring to this act as “itadaki joshi.” She created multiple manuals outlining the methods for doing so and started selling them on social media platforms.
- In June 2022, a 21-year-old woman sent a direct message (DM) to Ms. Watanabe expressing her interest in purchasing one of the manuals. She sent her 28,000 yen through PayPay and received a link to the manual via LINE.
- In February 2023, the same 21-year-old woman messaged her on Twitter, seeking advice, and she provided guidance using the platform’s Space feature on the secrets of being a “itadaki joshi.”
- On April 29, 2023, the 21-year-old woman reported to Ms. Watanabe that she had obtained approximately 10 million yen from men this month, expressing her gratitude for the manuals and consultation.
