J-pop idol Kenshin Kamimura found guilty of indecent assault in Hong Kong

 J-pop idol Kenshin Kamimura found guilty of indecent assault in Hong Kong

J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura, 26, was found guilty in a Hong Kong court of indecently assaulting his interpreter during a fan event in March. Kamimura, formerly of the boy group One N' Only, pleaded not guilty but chose not to testify in his July trial. Magistrate Peter Yu ruled that his behaviour displayed “obvious disrespect towards women” with clear sexual undertones. He was fined HK$15,000 ($1,923) after his lawyer urged the court to impose a financial penalty rather than jail time.

The incident took place on March 1 after a fan meeting, when Kamimura and actor Junsei Motojima attended a celebratory dinner in Hong Kong’s Mong Kok district. The victim, identified only as X, testified that Kamimura repeatedly brushed and patted her thigh, asked her to visit the bathroom with him, and blocked her path when she tried to move away. She said she declined each time, but he continued his advances, brushing her inner thigh multiple times.

Kamimura apologised during the dinner but later repeated his actions. The court heard that alcohol may have influenced his behaviour, though the magistrate stressed that such conduct deserved condemnation.

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During sentencing, Magistrate Peter Yu noted that Kamimura had already suffered professional consequences, including being fired by his management company and forced to leave One N' Only. The court also acknowledged his public humiliation and the damage to his career. Despite the fine, the magistrate made it clear that his actions were unacceptable and should serve as a warning.

In court, Kamimura hugged his translator upon hearing the sentence, as some fans in the gallery wept. Dozens more waited outside to see him leave, though he made no public statement. The victim’s testimony detailed persistent unwanted contact and inappropriate suggestions from Kamimura during the dinner. She described feeling uncomfortable and moving away several times, only for him to follow and resume the behaviour.

The magistrate stressed that public figures have a responsibility to act respectfully, especially when representing themselves and their profession in international settings. The case drew significant attention in Japan and Hong Kong, highlighting issues of misconduct in the entertainment industry.

The ruling marks a significant moment in Kamimura’s career, with his future in music now uncertain. He is expected to face ongoing public scrutiny, and the case has sparked discussions about consent and accountability among celebrities.