In a recent incident that has garnered attention in both Japan and Taiwan, Chihning Ho, a politician from Hsinchu City, Taiwan, found herself in a distressing situation while walking near Otsuka Station in Tokyo. On Saturday night, she was approached by a visibly intoxicated man who was holding a large canned highball. Despite her attempts to ignore him and change her direction, the man persistently followed her, calling out to her in both Japanese and English.
Ho, who is often referred to as “Taiwan’s most beautiful politician,” sought refuge in a nearby bookstore, hoping to evade the man’s advances. However, he continued to pursue her, even as she navigated through the store’s aisles in an effort to lose him. The situation escalated when the man grabbed her twice on the buttocks as she exited the store, prompting Ho to take action. In a moment of self-defense, she turned around and delivered a swift kick to the man’s groin, effectively incapacitating him.
Following the incident, Ho contacted the police, who promptly arrived and arrested the man. The incident was captured on video, which has since circulated online, drawing significant attention to the issue of harassment.
In the aftermath, Ho took to her Instagram account on June 18 to share her experience and clarify her feelings towards Japan. She emphasized that the unpleasant encounter did not diminish her appreciation for the country. Notably, she mentioned that the assailant is not a Japanese citizen, although she has not confirmed his nationality. Ho expressed her gratitude to the Japanese police for their swift response and for providing an interpreter to assist her in making her statement in her native language.
Despite the distressing nature of the incident, Ho remains optimistic about her future visits to Japan, stating her intention to return. Her experience highlights the importance of addressing harassment and ensuring the safety of individuals, regardless of their nationality. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and support for victims of such behavior, as well as the importance of effective law enforcement in addressing these issues.