Sada Abe (May 28, 1905 - death date unknown) gained notoriety in Japan for killing her lover and removing his genitals in May 1936, an incident that shocked the nation and became a cultural phenomenon.
Born in Tokyo to a prosperous tatami shop owner, Sada was the youngest of eight children. She had developmental difficulties, unable to speak until age four, and later became known for her temperamental nature. As the much younger sibling in her family, she was indulged by her parents who prioritized her artistic education in shamisen and traditional music over academic studies.
At age 15, Sada was sexually assaulted by a university student, an event that profoundly altered her path. Following this trauma, she became rebellious, eventually leading her family to sell her into the geisha profession at 17. Working under various names including "Miyako," she moved between establishments in Yokohama and other cities.
Sada later transitioned to prostitution, working in high-class brothels across Osaka, Hyogo, and Nagoya. In 1930, she fled her final brothel, abandoning substantial debt. After various relationships and jobs, in 1936, she began working at a restaurant in Tokyo where she started an affair with the married owner, Yoshizo Ishida.
On May 18, 1936, at a teahouse in Tokyo, Sada strangled Ishida to death and severed his genitals, which she carried with her. She was arrested two days later, found wearing some of Ishida's clothing.
The case captivated Japan. Psychological evaluation diagnosed her with sadism and fetishism but determined she was legally responsible. In December 1936, she received a six-year prison sentence. During her incarceration, she was transferred between multiple facilities due to her mental condition and the publicity surrounding her case. She reportedly received thousands of letters and marriage proposals while imprisoned.
The "Sada Abe Incident" remains one of Japan's most infamous crimes of the early 20th century, inspiring numerous artistic works and continuing to fascinate cultural historians.
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