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Sophia University dean fired for sexual harassment

11 Comments

A 62-year-old junior college dean at Sophia University in Tokyo has been fired for sexually harassing one of his students.

The man has been named as Toshiki Takano, the former president of Sophia University Junior College Division, a division of the university located near Yotsuya station.

Takano is alleged to have obtained a 20-year-old student's email address and begun to harass her between August and September of last year, TV Asahi reported Saturday. Takano reportedly emailed the girl suggestive messages in an improper tone around 60 times. He also allegedly sent messages from late at night until the early hours of the morning.

The girl reportedly sought consultation from the college in February this year, at which point Takano was questioned by the college and allegedly confessed to harassing the girl. Takano was dismissed earlier this year and released a public statement in which he apologized for any mental anguish he may have caused.

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11 Comments
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Standard behaviour. I have worked in various educational institutes in Japan and in each one there has always been 1 or 2 guys who got caught doing this kind of thing. There are doubtless many many more doing this kind of thing and not being caught.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

There are doubtless many many more doing this kind of thing and not being caught.

Or caught and only given an old-boy grin, slap on the back of the hand, and told go and sin no more.

That's only if the press decides to report it or not. There is much that goes on in schools that never is reported on and handled internally. I think the Japanese people are not ready to hear the reality of it either.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sophia University

Oh wow, Is that what Jochi calls itself now?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Oh wow, Is that what Jochi calls itself now?

It's been called Sophia University since 1913 when the Jesuit's first founded the school. The name "Jochi" means "University of Higher Wisdom" is it's Japanese name.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

No surprise here! These old perverts come a dime a dozen here in Japan! And just to be fare?? Fair?? In many universities etc.. All over the world!! I hope this girl has a good lawyer and that she sues the hell out of that university!!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I hope this girl has a good lawyer and that she sues the hell out of that university!!

Well that'll be up to her, but looking at the timeline of events it seems like the university has conducted itself in the proper manner and not whitewashed anything: The student brought it to the university's attention in February. The university then investigated the matter promptly, with Takano confessing. He was then fired "earlier this year", which could mean in the same month - February - or earlier this month. All very quick and proper. I have no connection with the university at all; I'm just pleased to see there was no foot dragging, as is often the case with large institutions.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I hope this girl has a good lawyer and that she sues the hell out of that university!!

Even if she choose to the amount a Japanese court would award her would be a pittance in comparison to the act.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

suggestive messages in an improper tone

Is there such a thing as a proper tone?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Must have been pretty extreme if he got fired.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

But how many get married?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Takano is alleged to have obtained a 20-year-old student’s email address and begun to harass her between August and September of last year, TV Asahi reported Saturday.

*began

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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