In a chilling incident in Tokyo, 22-year-old livestreamer Airi Sato was stabbed to death on-air by a disgruntled follower, Kenji Takano, 42.

Murder Caught on Livestream

Sato was filming herself near a train station when Takano attacked her with a survival knife, stabbing her in the head, neck, and torso. Passersby heard her scream for help before the livestream abruptly ended. Viewers, confused and concerned, posted frantic messages like “Where did she go?” and “Someone help!”

Suspect Held a Grudge

Takano, arrested at the scene, admitted to the crime, claiming he didn’t intend to kill her. He reportedly tracked her down by identifying buildings in her livestream, believing she owed him money.

Public Shock and Concern

This isn’t the first such case in Japan—two years ago, a female influencer was also killed by a follower. The attack has raised concerns about streamers’ safety, online obsession turning deadly, and Japan’s changing social landscape.