16-04-2025
Actor Ryoko Hirosue released from custody after alleged kicking incident
Japanese actor Ryoko Hirosue, who had been taken into police custody on suspicion of injuring a medical worker, has been released, her agency announced on Wednesday.
'We sincerely and deeply apologize to the victims of this incident — we will face the concerns and burdens we have caused to all parties involved and will faithfully fulfill our responsibilities,' read the statement issued by her agency, R.H. 'Ryoko Hirosue herself is very sorry and deeply regrets the inconvenience and confusion she has caused to the victims and many others.'
On April 8, the 44-year-old actor was arrested for allegedly kicking and scratching a medical staff member while in a 'panicked state' after being brought to a hospital following a car accident on a highway in Shizuoka Prefecture.
According to media reports, Hirosue is in talks with the victim to reach a settlement, and the police will continue the investigation on a voluntary basis going forth.
A medical investigation found that Hirosue was not under the influence of alcohol or any drugs at the time of the incident. Her agency stated no drugs were found during a police raid of her home and that she has never taken any drugs in the past.
However, given that she exhibited symptoms of mental instability, her agency said she would be consulting with doctors and receiving appropriate medical treatment moving forward.
For the time being, Hirosue has canceled all of her upcoming activities and will decide her next steps after thoroughly assessing her health.
The former idol made her debut in junior high school and continued to have a successful career starring in popular shows and movies — including Academy Award-winning Japanese film "Departures" — as well as releasing multiple hit songs like 'Maji de Koisuru 5 byōmae," loosely translated to 'Five seconds away from seriously falling in love.'
Hirosue was involved in an extramarital affair scandal in 2023, which led to her divorce and indefinite suspension from her former agency. After that, she went independent and set up her own agency.
