Asian community goes on alert against man preying on women

By Maureen Smithe

June 15, 2000 Web posted at: 10:50 AM EDT (1450 GMT)

ARLINGTON, Illinois (Daily Herald) -- Police bulletins dot the aisles and check-out lanes at the Mitsuwa Japanese shopping center on the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Algonquin Road.The notices warn female Asian-American customers and employees about the recent attacks against Asian women in Chicago and the Northwest suburbs.The signs also are a symbol of community awareness.

"They've put warning signs up and the manager is walking around talking about it," said employee Chieko Sugita.

The attacks have forced some women in the Japanese marketplace to question their daily routines while they pick through specialty items such as fresh fruits and dishware.

"I try not to open the door to strangers. I try not to go out when it is dark outside," said shopper Shoko Tomaki."I make sure no one follows me. When I go home, I make sure everything is locked up and I don't go back out," said employee Judy Lee.

Although there have been a total of eight attacks since April 7, some women remain unmoved by the attacks.

"I'm really not too scared. I just don't feel like he is much of a threat," said employee Sayaka Suzuki."Different racial groups are attacked on a daily basis. It's not too surprising," Sugita said.

Some women have theories of their own as to why the attacker, who is impersonating police and government officials, is targeting Asian women.

"He thinks all Asian women are fragile, but that is not true," said an employee who wished to remain anonymous. "Our women are supposed to be submissive. Maybe he thinks we are easy prey."

"I think he has some weird fetish," Suzuki said. "That guy has mental problems."

One thing is for sure: the attacks have not stopped area Asian women from doing their daily activities, including stops at Mitsuwa."It's the same in Japan - wherever you go, there are strange people," Tomaki said.

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