Japanese Idol Fined for Sexually Assaulting Female Interpreter: "Paid a Heavy Price"

Former Japanese Idol Member Fined for Sexually Assaulting Interpreter in Hong Kong
Court Cites "Clear Disrespect Toward Women" in Ruling

A member of a Japanese idol group was found guilty of sexually assaulting an interpreter while visiting Hong Kong to attend a fan meeting.

Former member Kenshin Kamimura of the Japanese boy group Oneandonly appeared in a Hong Kong court. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to ABC News on August 14 (local time), a Hong Kong court fined Kenshin Kamimura, a former member of the Japanese boy group ONE N' ONLY, 15,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 2.65 million won) the previous day for touching a female interpreter’s body.

Kamimura was accused of repeatedly touching the female interpreter’s thigh during a celebratory dinner at a restaurant in southern Hong Kong in March. The victim was an interpreter who was accompanying ONE N' ONLY for their fan meeting event in Hong Kong.

He was arrested locally and, later that month, his contract with his agency was terminated for “serious violation of regulations.”

During the trial held last month, the victim testified via video that Kamimura had asked her to go to the restroom with him. She stated that she refused, saying she had a boyfriend, but Kamimura continued to touch her thigh.

However, Kamimura pleaded not guilty. His attorney argued that the victim had exaggerated her claims and that the invitation to the restroom could not be conclusively interpreted as having inappropriate intent.

The defense appealed for leniency, saying, “Kamimura had a promising future but has paid a heavy price for this incident.”

The court found him guilty, stating, “The defendant touched the victim in a manner with sexual overtones and had inappropriate intentions.” Judge Peter Wei emphasized, “The defendant’s actions were a clear disrespect toward women and should be condemned.”

However, taking into account that Kamimura had been expelled from his agency and could no longer continue his career as an entertainer, the court imposed a fine. The maximum statutory penalty for indecent assault is up to 10 years in prison.

On this day, fans from Japan and mainland China lined up outside the courthouse to attend the hearing. After the trial, fans waited outside to catch a glimpse of Kamimura, but he left in a vehicle without making any statements.

Kamimura has also worked as an actor, appearing in several dramas including the boys’ love series “Our Youth” and the popular title “Ossan’s Love Returns.”