A tragedy unfolded on the streets of Takadanobaba, Tokyo, on March 11, 2025, when 22-year-old live streamer Airi Sato, known as "Most High Ai," was fatally attacked during her live stream. The assailant, Kengo Takano, 42, was arrested at the scene, where police revealed he claimed financial grievances with Sato led to the violent confrontation.
At approximately 10 AM, Sato was engaging her fans through the streaming platform "Fuwa Cutie" with the broadcast titled "3.11 Yamanote Line Walking 1 Lap," when Takano, who had been watching her streams since late 2021, tracked her down using the live video. According to police statements, he ambushed her with a 13cm survival knife, targeting her neck and head.
This horrifying event occurred about 400 meters from JR Takadanobaba Station. Sato was rushed to the hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds but died shortly thereafter. Takano was apprehended on the scene and stated to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, "I borrowed money from a consumer finance company and lent it to her, and decided to attack her because she would not return the money."
The root of this deadly encounter appears to be deeply entwined with financial troubles. Between September and November 2022, Takano lent Sato over 2.5 million yen, reportedly receiving only 30,000 yen back. After filing a civil lawsuit for repayment and obtaining a favorable judgment, he still faced non-payment from Sato. Leading up to the incident, Takano expressed desperation over his financial losses, having consulted with police about his money issues back in January 2024.
Investigations revealed startling insights about Takano's background. Known as "Ucchaka" during his youth, he grew up immersed in video games and manga, developing from a shy boy to someone who became recognizable only through online streaming communities. Friends from his past described him as reserved and lacking significant interaction during school, noting he was far from the type to instigate trouble.
Initially engaging with Sato simply as her fan, their relationship evolved over time. By December 2021, both began communicating privately, coinciding with Takano regularly visiting the cabaret club where Sato worked. Following their interactions, Takano developed feelings for Sato, which allegedly led to his feelings of betrayal when she failed to repay the large sums of money he had lent.
The situation escalated, and Sato faced harassment from Takano, prompting her to suspend her streaming activities for periods. Reports suggested she was under increasing pressure, leading to the moment on March 11 when Takano confronted her.
After the incident, the media spotlight expanded to include information from Yui Daiken, who introduced himself as Sato's fiancé. Yui elaborated on their timeline and his attempts to shield Sato from Takano’s harassment. Notably, Yui shared numerous documents highlighting their relationship dynamics and the debts owed to Takano.
Recalling events from 2021 to 2023, Yui noted he first met Sato over voice chat before they progressed to dating and later cohabitation. Their relationship was strained due to Sato's historical financial ties with Takano, with Daiken discovering these connections and the loans exchanged after the couple had grown close.
Yui's social media announcement concerning the incident attempted to shed light on the complex emotional and monetary entanglements, raising awareness about the pressures faced by young content creators within the streaming community. He pointed out, "It's just money trouble with a listener, I'm returning it," indicative of Sato's defenses against Takano's pressure.
This devastating event illuminates broader issues within the live streaming and fan community, where financial disputes can lead to fatal consequences. Takano’s actions, rooted deeply within monetary grievances, culminated tragically, prompting discussions about mental health support and the importance of establishing clear boundaries within fan-creator relationships.
The impact of this stabbing reverberates not only through Takadanobaba but the entire online community, where the intersection of finances and fandom can lead to unforeseen dangers. It's a reminder of the sometimes dark realities behind the screen, highlighting the need for vigilance and support systems for individuals who may find themselves embroiled in unhealthy relationships forged within digital landscapes.