Yuka Takaoka: A Shocking Crime of Passion

Yuka Takaoka is described as a "too beautiful criminal". Photo: Wikipedia.

Yuka Takaoka is a Japanese woman who attempted to murder her boyfriend in a fit of jealous rage. She then dragged his unconscious body to the foyer of her apartment complex and ignored police while smoking a cigarette and talking on the phone.

What is a Yandere?

Some fan art depicting the infamous crime scene photo of Yuka Takaoka. Photo: Yandere Wiki

A yandere is a character trope in anime and manga who is initially loving and sweet, but becomes violent and possessive when it comes to their romantic interest. The term "yandere" is a combination of the Japanese words "yanderu," meaning "mentally ill," and "dere," meaning "lovestruck."

Who is Yuka Takaoka?

Yuka Takaoka was the manager of a “girls bar” in the red-light district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. About one year before the incident she met her boyfriend Phoenix Luna who worked at another club in the area.

Phoenix was very popular at his club and often boasted about how he was the third most popular host. Some people who knew Phoenix and Yuka believe that Yuka was instrumental in Phoenix’s success.

The couple had been living together for just three days when the attack occurred.

The Night Yuka Takaoka Stabbed Her Boyfriend

On the 23rd of May 2019, Phoenix came home late from work. Yuka was suspicious and went through the photos on his cell phone after he went to sleep. To her horror she discovered pictures of Phoenix being intimate with another woman.

Yuka was distraught and filled with rage. She wanted to kill Phoenix and herself. She went into their bedroom and stabbed Phoenix in the abdomen. She then dragged him, unconscious, down to the apartment lobby, believing he was dead.

An infamous photo was taken at the scene of the crime where Yuka is seen smoking a cigarette and talking to someone on a cell phone, seemingly ignoring the police officers who rushed to the scene.

You can see the photo here. Be warned it is very graphic.

Phoenix Luna was taken to hospital in a critical condition but eventually made a full recovery.

The Aftermath of Yuka Takaoka’s Attack

Yuka Takaoka went to trial for the attempted murder of Phoenix Luna in December 2019. She was found guilty and sentenced to 3 and a half years in prison.

Phoenix says he doesn’t hold a grudge against Yuka and that people should be able to live a normal life after serving jail time for their crimes. Phoenix settled a lawsuit against Yuka out of court for ¥5,000,000.

Yuka Takaoka Becomes a Social Media Sensation

This video tells the story of Yuka Takaoka and Phoenix Luna

The internet was wowed by Yuka Takaoka’s good looks and dubbed her a Yandere. Users on social became obsessed with Yuka and her crime and began to create paintings and drawings of her. Several reporters have written articles describing the strange fascination that people have with attractive criminals that is almost akin to worship.

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