Actress Hirosue Ryoko was released from detention on April 16th, earlier than the initial release date of April 19th. The prosecutor’s office made the decision following a mediation between the actress and the medical staff she assaulted at Shimada Medical Center.
Police stated they would continue their investigation voluntarily.
Earlier, Shizuoka police reported no illegal drugs were found during a search of the actress’s home. Tests also showed Hirosue Ryoko was negative for drugs and sedatives.
The renowned actress apologized shortly after her release: “I sincerely apologize for the pain and burden I have caused all those involved. I will fulfill my responsibilities with good faith. I apologize for causing distress to the victim and others. I deeply regret this.”
Following her detention, Hirosue Ryoko announced a temporary halt to her acting career. On April 16th, her representative stated they would announce a work plan based on her physical and mental health condition.
On April 9th, police announced Hirosue Ryoko’s arrest for assaulting a nurse at Shimada Medical Center.
Previously, on the evening of April 7th, the actress was involved in a car accident while driving from Nara to Tokyo. The accident left her with minor injuries, and she was taken to Shimada Medical Center.
She was subsequently transferred to the prosecutor’s office, and the case was transferred to the Japanese Public Prosecutor’s Office. Witnesses at Shimada Medical Center reported Hirosue Ryoko attacking, punching, and scratching a female nurse while waiting for medical treatment.
Witnesses at the scene of the car accident also described Hirosue Ryoko as exhibiting unusual agitation, constantly pacing, getting up and down, and shouting after the accident.
Investigators also mentioned initial difficulties in questioning the actress due to her constant shouting. On April 15th, a senior police official in Shizuoka said Hirosue’s condition had stabilized, improving the investigation’s progress.
Hirosue Ryoko (born 1980) is known in Japanese media as the “national sister,” “the last beautiful girl of the 20th century,” and “the national beauty of the Japanese entertainment industry”.
Hirosue Ryoko entered the entertainment industry as a model at the age of 14, noted for her sweet and innocent appearance. She later transitioned to film acting.
In 2008, Hirosue Ryoko starred in Departures, a film that won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. For over 20 years, she maintained a unique position and earned top-tier fees in Japan.
After 2022, Hirosue Ryoko’s image as a star was significantly tarnished by personal scandals. She was found to have had an affair with a married man.
The affair led to her divorce and a public backlash, forcing her to temporarily suspend her acting career. After two years, she established her own company and returned to the Japanese entertainment scene in February 2024.
Japanese media speculate that the actress is unlikely to return to the entertainment industry following this incident of an accident and assault. Since April 12th, organizers of various commercial events have canceled Hirosue Ryoko’s appearances, and filming schedules have been indefinitely postponed.
