Crimes by women and crimes against women in Japan receive uneven coverage in the press. Female suspects, particularly those charged with serious offenses, are so thoroughly skewered in the media that defense attorneys often complain that a fair trial is near impossible. Crimes against women receive little attention unless, for example, the woman is a well known figure, Caucasian, or the perpetrator is a U.S. serviceman charged with a sexual crime.
Nobody knows this better than Masako Hirano. Her world changed abruptly in the wee hours of June 13, 1995. At approximately 2:30 a.m. she was raped by a stranger who entered her apartment brandishing a knife and carrying rope. After the sexual assault, he showered, drained a carton of milk and emptied her wallet before leaving.
Later that morning — against the wishes of her parents, concerned about her future marriage prospects — she reported the case to the police. Detectives searched the apartment and removed 14 items for forensic testing and possible use as evidence.