Former Idol Speaks Out After 9 Years: A Cry for Help Following Attack

Tomita Mayu: A Survivor’s Call for Change After a Life-Altering Attack

Former Japanese idol Tomita Mayu has bravely shared her experiences nearly a decade after surviving a brutal stabbing by an obsessed fan. Her harrowing story, coupled with her challenges in the aftermath, has propelled her to advocate for systemic changes aimed at safeguarding potential victims in the future.

The Shocking Incident

On May 21, 2016, a 20-year-old Tomita was attacked just outside her concert location in Koganei, Tokyo, just before her performance at Solid Girls Night Vol.11. Her assailant, 27-year-old Tomohiro Iwazaki, approached her with an 8.2 cm knife, inflicting 61 stab wounds to her chest and neck while vehemently shouting, “You should die!”

The Aftermath of Violence

Despite miraculously surviving the attack and avoiding critical organ damage, Tomita sustained severe injuries that required extensive medical intervention. She spent two weeks in a critical care unit and emerged with permanent scars on her body, including visible marks on her face and arms, partial vision loss in her left eye, and ongoing physical limitations that impair her singing ability, eating, and dexterity.

At the time of her attack, Tomita’s career was on the rise. She had just graduated and was planning to immerse herself in acting and performance. Unfortunately, her aspirations were abruptly derailed by an assailant she had attempted to distance herself from. Leading up to the attack, Iwazaki had been stalking her online and showering her with gifts, which culminated in an overwhelming barrage of online harassment consisting of 400 hostile messages after she returned a watch he had given her.

Failures in Protection

Tomita reached out to law enforcement to report her stalking and sought protective measures, but her concerns were dismissed as authorities judged there to be “no immediate threat.” Tragically, just weeks after her appeals for help, she was violently attacked.

During Iwazaki’s trial in 2017, he claimed his violent actions were not premeditated, arguing that he acted out of anger when Tomita ignored his gift. Ultimately, he received a sentence of 14 years and 6 months in prison—a decision perceived by many as too lenient given the severity of his crime.

Pursuing Justice and Healing

In 2019, Tomita took a stand by suing the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, her former manager, and Iwazaki, seeking ¥76 million (approximately $483, 000) in damages for their failure to provide her with the necessary protection. As of July 2025, the case concluded with a settlement.

In a process she describes as both necessary and emotionally draining, Tomita is preparing to publish a memoir. Her critique of the Tokyo police highlights a lack of empathy, illustrated by a traumatic moment in court when they presented her with a photograph of her assailant, invoking horrific memories.

The Lingering Impact of Trauma

Now leading a secluded life, Tomita deals with persistent PTSD that haunts her daily routines. She struggles with insomnia, an aversion to public transportation, and an overwhelming fear of solitude. The specter of her attacker’s potential release looms large in her mind.

“The fear that he’ll be released never fades. The more I try to move forward, the more I am reminded I still inhabit the world where this occurred, ” she reflects.

A Call for Change

Despite Japan updating its anti-stalking legislation in December 2016 to encompass cyberstalking, Tomita emphasizes that the threat persists. She implores authorities to take the issue of stalking seriously, advocating for action before another tragedy unfolds.

“Stalking cases have continued over the past nine years. Each news story evokes a deep sense of despair and anger within me, ” she expresses poignantly.“Please, let promises not be empty. A single decision can alter a life forever.”

Tomita’s story transcends her experience as a survivor; it is a powerful call to action aimed at protecting others from similar tragedies and ensuring that her ordeal catalyzes significant and lasting change.

Sources: TP

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