Fusako Sano - The Missing Years

The Missing Years

While Sano was initially scared, according to her own statements, she eventually just gave up and accepted her fate. Allegedly, the kidnapper kept her tied up for several months, and used a stun gun for punishments if she did not videotape the horse racing on TV. Sano was also threatened with a knife and beatings. Her kidnapper shared his men's clothes with her and gave her food three times per day, either instant food or meals cooked by his mother, who lived downstairs in the house. He also cut Sano's hair. Since there was no bath or toilet upstairs where Sano was confined, she was only able to take a bath infrequently, when permitted by her captor.

She spent most of her time in captivity listening to radio, and reportedly was allowed to watch TV only in the last year of her ordeal. While the door was never locked, Sano did not take a step outside for nine years. She later told the police: "I was too scared to escape and eventually lost the energy to escape."

Satō's mother lived downstairs and apparently had no contact with her son's captive, since he became very violent whenever she tried to go upstairs. However, police believe the mother must have had some knowledge of Ms Sano's presence; for example, it was alleged that she purchased feminine hygiene products for the victim.