Junya Ito Fights Back: Star Footballer Demands Justice in Harassment Case, Vows to Pursue Indictment Against Two Women
Junya Ito’s Lawyer Files Petition for Review Over False Accusations
Hirotaro Kato, the lawyer representing Junya Ito, a midfielder for the Japanese national soccer team and French first division club S.L. Reims, has filed a petition for review with the Osaka Second Public Prosecutors’ Inquest Board. This decision comes after the Osaka District Public Prosecutors’ Office chose not to indict two women who had been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of filing false accusations against Ito over alleged sexual assault.
The petition for review, dated August 23, is a response to the Osaka District Public Prosecutors’ Office’s decision not to indict the two women due to insufficient evidence. Kato expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, stating, “I cannot accept that the woman was not charged. I will thoroughly demand that she be indicted. For the sake of the future of the sports world, something like this must not happen again. I want them to investigate thoroughly.”
The allegations against Ito surfaced on January 31, while he was playing for the Japanese national team at the Asian Cup in Qatar. It was reported that he had sexually assaulted a woman, and the Osaka Prefectural Police accepted criminal complaints from two women. Kato has consistently maintained that the women made up the allegations, and Ito’s side has sued the two women for making false accusations.
Ito was not selected for the national team in March and June but was called up for this month’s activity for the first time in about seven months and returned to the national team. On the 5th, at Saitama Stadium, in the first match of the Asian final qualifying round for the World Cup against China, he entered the game from the 18th minute of the second half and scored one goal and provided two assists. Kato was also there to watch the game and expressed his relief, saying, “It was the first time I saw Ito play live as a member of the Japanese national team. I’m really glad he was able to return.” Ito reportedly conveyed his gratitude to Kato upon his return.
Timeline of Events Leading Up to Ito’s Return
January 31st: Daily Shincho reports on the sexual assault allegations against Ito from June last year. It is revealed that the Osaka Prefectural Police have accepted criminal complaints from two women.
February 1st: Ito’s side submits a false accusation to the Osaka Prefectural Police, claiming that no sexual assault occurred, and it is accepted. The Japan Football Association announces that Ito will be withdrawing from the national team, but later corrects the statement to say that he will not be withdrawing.