‘Jealous’ Husband In Japan Makes 100 Daily Calls To Wife From Private Number, Arrested

In Japan, causing emotional distress through unwanted phone calls is considered a criminal offense.

In Japan, a man was arrested for making more than 100 silent phone calls a day to his wife for several weeks. The disturbing event took place between July and August, capturing the public’s attention due to the husband’s bizarre behavior. The South China Morning Post newspaperA 31-year-old woman from Hyogo Prefecture told police that she received disturbing phone calls every day in July and August. However, after answering, the caller remained silent. At first, she expressed her concerns to her husband, but his nonchalance and lack of interest frustrated her.

The turning point in her life came when she noticed that the calls stopped when her husband was sleeping, playing games or spending time with her. Her suspicions were piqued and she devised a test. While they were shopping together, she closely monitored his movements, noticing that he was not touching his phone, and that’s when the calls stopped.

She then raised her concerns with the police, who investigated the couple’s phone records. Investigations revealed that the husband was indeed the mastermind behind the mysterious silent calls, leaving his wife in despair. Further investigation revealed that he had been using private numbers to conceal his identity.

The couple had no known relationship issues and seemed to live in harmony. Reportedly, his motivations stemmed from jealousy and possessiveness. A particular incident in the past triggered his insecurity when he discovered that his wife was chatting with another man. Feeling threatened, he started making silent calls as a form of punishment. However, he also claimed that he “loved her so much.”

In Japan, causing significant emotional distress through unwanted phone calls is considered a criminal offense. Violators are subject to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 1 million yen (US$7,000), and a restraining order.

On September 4, authorities apprehended the husband and took him into custody. Although his sentencing is still pending, the incident sparked a national debate in Japan. Many people called for greater awareness and action against emotional harassment and domestic violence.

One netizen wrote: “The husband’s control over his wife is too great. This kind of love is suffocating.”

Another commented: “Communication is the best way for a couple to resolve problems, not harassment or violence.”