A recent ruling by the Sapporo District Court found a former teacher at a private high school in Hokkaido guilty of sexual abuse against a female student that began in her first year of high school. The court recognized that the teacher exploited their superior position and infringed on the student's sexual autonomy, leading to a judgment that partially favored the plaintiff with a damage payment order of 11 million yen. The ruling highlighted the psychological impact on the victim, including the onset of PTSD, which ultimately hindered her ability to continue her university studies.

The court's decision underscores the significant power dynamics in the relationship between the teacher and the minor, noting that the victim lacked the capacity to fully assess the consequences of sexual acts at her young age. The ruling referred to the predatory behavior of the teacher, who took advantage of the student's low self-esteem to establish control over her and compel her into non-consensual acts. In this context, the court deemed the teacher's actions as illegal and an abuse of power.

Although the former teacher argued that the victim had not sought help from others and suggested there was full consent, the court acknowledged the intricate grooming tactics employed against the victim. Additionally, while the victim claimed that the school bore some responsibility for the teacher's actions, the court rejected this argument, stating that the incidents were not connected to official school activities. This ruling marks an important step in addressing the serious issue of sexual abuse within educational institutions.