Nurse Assault Allegation: Japan's 'National Little Sister' Released... "Bows Head in Apology"

Ryoko Hirosue Released on the Morning of the 16th
Following Assault Allegations Against Nurse

Ryoko Hirosue (45), the Japanese actress known as the 'Nation's Little Sister,' who was arrested on charges of assaulting a nurse, has been released.

According to NHK on the 16th, the police released Hirosue in the morning as a mediation agreement between her and the victim nurse was progressing. This decision appears to have been made after comprehensively considering the circumstances of the incident and the status of the agreement. The police plan to continue the investigation without detention.

Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue. X (formerly Twitter)

Earlier, Hirosue was accused of assaulting a nurse by kicking and scratching her arm while waiting to receive medical treatment at a hospital around 12:20 a.m. on the 8th. The day before, around 7 p.m., Hirosue was involved in an accident where she crashed into a large trailer while driving on the Shin-Tome Expressway northbound in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, sustaining minor injuries and being transported to the hospital. It is reported that Hirosue's manager was riding in the vehicle with her.

Hirosue's agency stated, "She was in a temporary panic state at the hospital and caused injury to medical staff," and "We deeply apologize for causing great inconvenience and concern to the victim and all related parties." They added, "As the investigation into this incident is ongoing, we are refraining from disclosing detailed information," and "She has decided to refrain from all entertainment activities for the time being." The victim is reported to have sustained minor injuries.

Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue. X (formerly Twitter)

Hirosue gained widespread popularity in the 1990s as Japan's 'Nation's Little Sister.' She is also known in Korea for starring in films such as Railroad Man and Secret. Hirosue married fashion designer Takahiro Okazawa in 2003 but divorced in 2008. She remarried in 2010 to Candle Jun, but in 2023, she faced public criticism after it was revealed she had an affair with a famous Japanese chef. She was also embroiled in an affair scandal in 2014 involving actor Takeru Satoh, who is nine years her junior.