A disturbing case of alleged domestic abuse in Japan has captured national and international attention. Saki Sato, a 23-year-old Japanese cosplayer, is accused of severing her boyfriend’s ring finger in an act reportedly driven by obsessive love.
A Violent Act of Possessiveness
According to police reports, the incident occurred after an argument between Sato and her 21-year-old boyfriend, whose name has not been publicly released. Sato allegedly shouted, “I don’t want you marrying another woman and exchanging rings,” before cutting off part of his left ring finger and preserving it in alcohol in their refrigerator.
Police Respond to Distress Call in Osaka
The case came to light in January when the victim placed an emergency call to authorities in Osaka, located in Japan’s Kansai region. Responding officers found both individuals in their shared apartment. The man had visible injuries to his face and claimed that his severed finger had been stored in the fridge.
A subsequent search of the flat confirmed his account.
Allegations of Long-Term Abuse and Control
Further investigation revealed a pattern of controlling and abusive behavior by Sato. She allegedly kept the man’s bankbook and smartphone locked in a safe and required him to ask for permission to use them.
In a prior incident in September 2023, she reportedly told him that “a man’s nipple will grow back if you cut it off,” and attempted to prove it by cutting part of his nipple—an act he complied with out of fear.
Relationship Began Through Cosplay
The couple met in 2023 when the then-19-year-old victim, a high school student, discovered Sato online through her cosplay activities. Drawn in by her sweet appearance, he pursued a relationship with her. By July, the two had moved in together, but he soon discovered her increasingly violent and controlling behavior.
Legal Action and Public Reaction
Sato has been charged with three counts of assault and was officially indicted on April 21. She denies the allegations, claiming the victim cut off his own finger.
The story has shocked many online, especially in Japan and China, with users comparing Sato to a “yandere” character—a popular anime archetype representing someone who appears sweet but becomes violently obsessed. Others reject the comparison, calling the behavior outright criminal. — SCMP
Image—QQ.com
