Japanese pop artist Kenshin Kamimura convicted of sexual misconduct in Hong Kong
In a court hearing on August 13, 2020, Japanese J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura was found guilty of indecent assault in a Hong Kong court[1][2][3]. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred during a fan meeting in Hong Kong on March 1, 2020[4].
During the incident, Kamimura allegedly touched the thigh of a female interpreter, identified as X, in a caressing manner that carried a sexual undertone[1][3][4]. He also asked X about her relationship status and whether she planned to marry her boyfriend[5]. Upon returning to his seat, Kamimura sat beside X and apologised, saying "Forget what just happened"[6]. X, however, refused his request to go outside, stating "If you want to go, you can go by yourself"[7].
Kamimura pleaded not guilty and chose not to testify during the trial in July[8]. His defense argued that the interpreter exaggerated her testimony and that any bathroom invitation might not have had improper intent[1][3]. The defense also claimed his acts could be attributed to cultural differences, but this was dismissed by the magistrate[4].
The court, presided over by Magistrate Peter Yu, ruled that Kamimura's touching was done with indecent intent, reflecting clear disrespect toward women that "should be condemned"[1][3][4]. Despite the maximum penalty for indecent assault being up to 10 years in prison, Kamimura was fined HK$15,000 (approximately US$1,900), avoiding jail time as his lawyers presented that he had a promising future and had paid a heavy price after the incident, including termination of his contract with boy band ONE N’ ONLY[1][2][3][4].
The verdict had a strong emotional impact on Kamimura's fans, some of whom were seen crying in and outside the courtroom[2][4]. The judge also praised the courage of the victim in coming forward to report the assault[2].
After the hearing, dozens of fans waited outside as Kamimura left court without saying anything[9]. Upon hearing the sentence, Kamimura hugged his court translator, and some fans wept in the public gallery[10].
Kamimura, a member of the boy group One N' Only, had enjoyed a successful career in the Japanese music industry before the incident[11]. The conviction is likely to have a significant impact on his future career prospects.
[1] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [2] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [3] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/08/13/asia-pacific/japan-news/kenshin-kamimura-guilty-hong-kong-sexual-assault/ [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53753759 [5] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [6] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [7] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [8] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [9] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [10] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/crime/article/3095161/pop-star-kenshin-kamimura-found-guilty-indecent-assault-hong [11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenshin_Kamimura
- The trial and resulting fine for Japanese J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura's indecent assault charge made national headlines, with news outlets covering the story under the categories of general-news, crime-and-justice, and entertainment.
- The incident involving Kamimura, a former member of the boy band ONE N' ONLY, resonated with celebrities worldwide, sparking discussions about sexual harassment and improper behavior in the entertainment industry.
