Tokyo Court Sentences Man for Exploiting Child in Sex Work
By Editor • September 15, 2026 • 1 min read
In a significant ruling, a Tokyo District Court has sentenced a 52-year-old man to five years in prison for his role in forcing a 12-year-old Thai girl into sex work at his massage parlour. The court also imposed a fine of 1 million yen, approximately US$6,500.
The defendant, identified as Masayuki Hosono, was found guilty of breaching child welfare laws. The court highlighted that Hosono, as the owner of the establishment, not only created a chaotic environment but also neglected to verify the girl's age, thereby facilitating her exploitation.
Prosecutors had initially requested a harsher penalty of six years in prison and a fine of 2 million yen, emphasizing the gravity of the crime. However, the court's decision reflects a serious stance against crimes involving child exploitation.
Source: www.scmp.com
#child welfare #Japan #Masayuki Hosono #sex work #Tokyo District Court
