Japanese authorities are investigating actress Hirosue Ryoko, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, following an incident where she allegedly assaulted a hospital employee and was involved in a traffic accident.
The incident, reported on April 9th, saw Ms. Ryoko arrested for assault and subsequently transferred to the public prosecutor’s office. Her case has been forwarded to the Japanese Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Ms. Ryoko’s agency confirmed her arrest after she allegedly injured a nurse at a hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Hirosue Ryoko faces a new career crisis. (Photo: NHK).
Witnesses at the Shimada hospital reported that Ms. Ryoko violently assaulted a nurse while waiting for medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses also described unusual behavior from Ms. Ryoko at the scene of the traffic accident, including erratic movements, pacing, and shouting.
Before the accident, she exhibited unusual behavior at a rest stop, reportedly engaging in conversations and physical contact with strangers.
While appearing calm during questioning at the police station, Ms. Ryoko’s mental state was deemed unstable.
Authorities confirmed that she voluntarily underwent a drug test, which returned negative results. Blood alcohol levels were also within normal limits.
Police are conducting a thorough investigation, exploring the possibility that over-the-counter medication played a role in the incident. The decision to search her home stemmed from her suspicious behavior during questioning.
The scene of Hirosue Ryoko’s accident. (Photo: Sina).
Prosecutors requested and were granted a 10-day detention extension (April 10th to April 19th) to continue investigating the assault. Further details remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.
Through her agency, Ms. Ryoko issued a statement: “I caused a traffic accident while driving in Shizuoka Prefecture. I was taken to the hospital, where I caused a hospital staff member to be injured in a state of distress. I sincerely apologize for causing trouble to the victim and those involved. I will pause all my activities for the foreseeable future.”
Hirosue Ryoko (born 1980) is a prominent figure in Japanese media, often referred to as the “national sister,” “the last beautiful girl of the 20th century,” and “the national beauty of the Japanese entertainment industry.”
Ms. Ryoko began her career as a model at the age of 14, captivating audiences with her innocent charm. She appeared in numerous media outlets and endorsements before transitioning to acting.
Police searching Hirosue Ryoko’s home. (Photo: NHK).
Her acting career spans various films and television shows. In 2008, she starred in Departures, which won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Despite previous personal scandals, Ms. Ryoko maintained a high profile and considerable income in Japan.
Her personal life includes a marriage to model Okazawa Takahiro in 2003, which lasted five years and produced a son. She later remarried musician Jun Izutsu in 2010, adding two more children to her family.
Since 2022, her public image has been significantly impacted by personal scandals. Her reputation as a virtuous mother was tarnished by accusations of infidelity with married men.
Following the online and media backlash, Ms. Ryoko publicly apologized and announced a temporary retirement from acting and divorce proceedings. This incident also strained her relationship with her former agency. She returned to the industry in February 2024 and established her own company.
However, Japanese media experts suggest this investigation and detention could significantly damage Ms. Ryoko’s burgeoning career.
