Japanese influencer, 22, fatally stabbed during livestream in Tokyo

By Phan Anh March 13, 2025 | 03:00 am PT

Japanese influencer Airi Saito. Photo courtesy of Instagram/airo_satochan

A Japanese social media influencer was fatally stabbed during a livestream on the streets of Tokyo, Japan.

Sato Airi, 22, was broadcasting live from Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on Tuesday when she was allegedly attacked by a man identified as Takano Kenichi, according to reports from NHK.

Witnesses described hearing Sato screaming for help as her livestream abruptly went dark, prompting confusion and concern among online viewers who began commenting about her sudden disappearance, according to the Deccan Herald.

Emergency responders found Sato with multiple knife wounds on her head, neck, and abdomen. She was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.

Police arrested Takano Kenichi at the crime scene on suspicion of murder. CCTV footage reportedly captured Takano stabbing Sato multiple times with a survival knife.

Takano claimed he had lent Sato more than ¥2 million (US$13,600) which she had failed to repay.

Authorities indicated Takano may have been one of Sato’s online followers and suspect he harbored resentment due to the unpaid debt. However, Takano told police he did not intend to kill Sato.