Reward offered for missing Hachioji host

TOKYO (TR) – The family of a male employee at a host club in Hachioji City on Monday announced offered a three-million-yen reward for information leading to his whereabouts, reports the Sankei Shimbun (May 13).

According to police, Masamichi Tsuchida, who would be 45 years old, was last seen at his home on November 25, 2010. He told his wife he was going to work and would return over the weekend. His last correspondence was by phone, in which he said he had a meeting that afternoon.

In July of last year, two of his colleagues — including manager Eiichiro Genchi and a 25-year-old male — were arrested on destruction of property charges for allegedly smashing Tsuchida’s mobile phone.

In September, the 25-year-old was found guilty and received a prison term of three years, which was suspended for 12 months. During the trial, the defendant denied having any knowledge of the whereabouts of his missing co-worker.

According to the Sankei (Oct. 6, 2012), Tsuchida is believed to have encountered financial difficulties.

The reward is valid over a one-year period. The Hachioji Police Station may be reached at 042-645-0110.