The father of renowned table tennis player Mima Ito has been sentenced to two years in prison for committing indecent acts against a female student at the table tennis school he manages. The sentencing took place on March 11, 2025, at the Kobe District Court Akashi Branch, where the court expressed grave concerns about the repeated offenses committed by Hiroyuki Kihara, who is 54 years old.
Kihara, who managed the 'ALL STAR' table tennis school located in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, was charged with multiple incidents of indecency involving a student who was under the age of 13. The court stated these acts occurred between July and August 2024. During this time, Kihara exploited his position as the instructor to engage the child, putting his hand inside her clothing on multiple occasions.
During the court proceedings, Kihara initially denied the allegations, claiming, "I absolutely did not do such things." This denial, unfortunately, did not stand as he later changed his stance and admitted to the charges. The prosecution had sought a harsher sentence of three years, but the court settled on two years, stating, "The motive was selfish and self-centered. He repeatedly committed the acts to satisfy his desires."
The judge went on to criticize Kihara for leveraging his authority as the instructor, stating he had applied psychological pressure on the victim. This worrisome dynamic underscored the trust placed by students and families within the sports community, which was tragically violated.
Following the verdict, the victim's family expressed their relief and gratitude to the legal system. One family member stated, "I’m glad the prison sentence was handed down. I hope similar incidents won't happen again in sports." Their remarks highlight the broader concern about child safety within athletic settings and the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
The case has raised significant queries about the safeguarding mechanisms currently present within athletic programs. With Kihara being publicly known as the father of Mima Ito, one of Japan's promising table tennis stars, the incident has cast a shadow over the sport and prompted discussions on the need for more stringent regulations and education to prevent the abuse of power by coaches and instructors.
Experts have long emphasized the importance of protecting young athletes from potential abuse—be it physical, emotional, or sexual. This high-profile case serves as both a tragic reminder and a call to action for sports organizations to re-evaluate their protocols and reinforce protective measures. Stakeholders are urged to implement transparent reporting mechanisms and support systems for young athletes to instill confidence and safeguard their well-being.
It has become evident through various incidents across different sports disciplines globally, similar predicaments have arisen, leading to shifts within sporting communities about accountability and protective measures for athletes. With voices like those of the victim’s family advocating for these changes, it is hoped this case becomes not just isolated but rather sparks significant reform.
For now, the sentence delivered to Hiroyuki Kihara stands not only as justice for the victim but also as a pledge from the community—one they hope will resonate beyond the courtroom. The path forward must prioritize the protection of children and restore trust within sports programs to prevent such cases from darkening the future of young athletes.