"An Elite Citizen?" Japan 'Boils Over' After Ayase Haruka Tests Positive

Japanese actress Ayase Haruka was hospitalized at a university hospital in Tokyo with post-COVID-19 pneumonia symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19 on the 26th of last month. Meanwhile, the Japanese public is showing a cold response to this.
/Photo by Horipro website

[Asia Economy Online Issue Team] Popular Japanese actress Ayase Haruka has been infected with COVID-19 and hospitalized at a university hospital in Tokyo, sparking criticism locally.

Her agency, Horipro, stated, "Ayase Haruka showed fever symptoms on the night of the 20th of last month and underwent antigen tests three times, all of which were negative. However, on the 26th, a retest showed a positive COVID-19 result, and she developed pneumonia symptoms while recuperating at home, leading to her hospitalization at a hospital in Tokyo. She is currently recovering."

As this news spread, netizens expressed both concern and criticism. They pointed out that in the current situation where ordinary people find it difficult to receive hospital treatment or admission amid the COVID-19 surge, this appears to be preferential treatment for celebrities.

Netizens commented cynically, saying, "My friend was diagnosed with pneumonia but was left at home with only medication," "She was able to be hospitalized because she is famous. It's unfair," "Do 'upper-class citizens' like celebrities and the wealthy get priority treatment?" and "I really like Ayase Haruka, but it’s concerning that she could be hospitalized at this time."

According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, the number of new daily COVID-19 cases in Japan reached 20,031. Within a month, 500,000 people have been newly infected, showing a clear surge in cases. As a result, there have been cases where people with worsening COVID-19 symptoms, such as pneumonia and other complications, could not find hospital admission and died while recuperating at home.

In response, the Japanese media outlet Nikkan Gendai stated on the 1st, "Even Ayase Haruka, a nationally beloved actress, is being evaluated as 'the health authorities ultimately prioritized a popular actress over ordinary people.' The cause of the harsh scrutiny faced by Ayase Haruka lies in the government's inadequate COVID-19 response."

Meanwhile, Ayase Haruka is a leading popular actress in Japan, with many fans in Korea as well through dramas such as Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World and Hotaru no Hikari.