HONG KONG (AP) – Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura has been found guilty of indecent assault against a female interpreter in a Hong Kong court on Wednesday. The courtroom was filled with emotional fans as the verdict was delivered.
Kamimura, a former member of the J-pop boy group ONE N’ ONLY, was arrested in March 2023 while in the southern Chinese city. His record label terminated his contract during the same month, citing a serious compliance violation. Initially pleading not guilty in April, Kamimura's trial commenced with significant public interest.
The charge against him stemmed from an incident during a celebratory dinner at a restaurant where he allegedly touched the interpreter's thigh multiple times. Testifying through a live video link, the interpreter recounted Kamimura's invitation to a restroom located in a different area. She asserted that after she declined and mentioned her boyfriend, he continued to inappropriately touch her thigh.
During the trial, the defense argued that the interpreter had exaggerated her allegations and suggested that the invitation to the bathroom might not have been made with improper intent. However, Judge Peter Yu, after considering the evidence, concluded that Kamimura's actions were at a minimum inappropriate and conveyed a sexual undertone, thus establishing his intent as indecent.
Following the announcement of the verdict, several of Kamimura's supporters in the courtroom were visibly upset, with some reportedly in tears. In contrast, Kamimura appeared relieved when the judge issued a fine of 15,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately $1,900) without imposing any prison time. The law regarding this charge stipulates a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Support for Kamimura was evident in the form of a long line formed by his fans, some of whom traveled from Japan and mainland China to be present during the hearing. Interestingly, additional attendees from mainland China expressed their interest not as fans, but rather to understand more about the case, especially amid online criticisms directed at the female interpreter involved.
Among the onlookers was Betty Zhong, a university student from Shenzhen, who revealed her motives for attending the court hearings were to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the case due to her friend’s admiration for Kamimura. Zhong expressed her surprise that Kamimura was charged during his visit to Hong Kong, remarking on the limited information available through news reports and the clarity she gained by attending in person.
In addition to his music career, Kamimura is also recognized as an actor. He has featured in several television dramas, including the boys’ love series “Our Youth” and the popular show “Ossan’s Love Returns.”
