TOKYO - A manager of a Uniqlo store in the Toshima Ward in Tokyo has been arrested for secretly filming female customers at fitting rooms in his store, police said on Oct 31.

       According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), a 35-year-old male manager is suspected of inserting his smartphone under the curtain or door of the fitting rooms at the store in Otsuka where he works between July 28 and Aug 13, and secretly filming nine women, including a 15-year-old girl.

       The MPD arrested the man on Oct 29, and he has admitted to the charges. His smartphone contained 44 videos that appeared to have been secretly filmed in fitting rooms.

       Fast Retailing, the fashion giant’s owner, said it was cooperating with police investigations and apologised for the distress caused to the affected people and their families.

       In a statement on Oct 31, Fast Retailing acknowledged that the filming incidents violated the trust of customers who used the stores on a daily basis. The group vowed to review store facilities including security cameras, and conduct employee education to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK