Question from a reader:
Recently, what made you laugh the most? I found it amusing when I saw a comment on the evidence video claiming that Yume no Jino was assaulted by Mitsuhashi, which said “the Neymar of the East.” I wondered if she was unaware of the law regarding “false accusation.”

Recent Topics in Law and Psychology

Recently, I also
couldn’t help but laugh at the comment that referred to Yume no Jino as “the Neymar of the East” in relation to the evidence video claiming she was assaulted by Mitsuhashi. The online world is filled with amusing comments, but this statement felt a bit off. It raised doubts about whether she had thought much about the law regarding “false accusation.” This time, I would like to consider this topic from a legal perspective, particularly focusing on false accusations.

What is False Accusation?

First, let me briefly explain false accusation. This is a crime applied to the act of accusing someone of being a criminal based on clearly false information. It is stipulated in Article 172 of the Japanese Penal Code, and framing someone as a criminal is a very serious issue. For example, accusing someone of a violent act that never actually occurred falls under this category. If that accusation is false, the person making it will bear legal responsibility. In fact, false accusation can be severely punished as a crime. Just thinking about how serious this crime is can be quite terrifying.

The Entertainment Industry and Legal Aspects

Now, let’s turn our attention to the entertainment industry. Recent entertainment news has been rife with various scandals. In particular, issues of violence and sexual harassment are intriguing from a legal perspective. In many cases, while victims can make accusations, if those accusations turn out to be false, the accuser themselves may face legal repercussions. For instance, if a famous actor is accused of sexual harassment, that actor can resort to legal measures. Conversely, if the evidence is insufficient or if the accuser is clearly lying, that accuser may be charged with false accusation. Here, the psychological perspective also comes into play. Why do people lie? There are many psychological factors involved. For example, the desire to attract attention, to become a tragic heroine, or to settle a grudge can be considered. Understanding these backgrounds is very important in learning about the law.

The Intersection of Law and Psychology

In this way, law and psychology are deeply intertwined. When there are accusations of violence or sexual harassment, the social repercussions are significant. Especially in the entertainment industry, the media picks up these topics, and many people have opinions. However, among these, there are also many emotional reactions, making it difficult to make calm judgments. Here, the role of the law is to clarify the facts and encourage appropriate responses. Recently, as a judicial scrivener, I have also witnessed such issues. When clients are considering making accusations, it is important to thoroughly discuss their backgrounds and motivations. Of course, legal advice is essential, but deepening our understanding of psychological factors can lead to better outcomes.

A Real Case Study

Let me share a real case. A woman accused an acquaintance of sexual harassment. Initially, her claims seemed credible, and many media outlets covered the story, with public opinion supporting her. However, as the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in her testimony emerged, and it was ultimately revealed that her accusation was false. She was prosecuted for false accusation and lost her social credibility. This case illustrates the risks of making accusations. At the same time, we must also consider the position of the accused. Particularly for public figures or celebrities, the stakes tend to be higher due to their elevated social status.

In Conclusion

Reflecting on the case of Yume no Jino, we must not forget that behind the humor of the comments lies a significant legal weight. The law can be harsh, and it has aspects that are difficult for us, who are often swayed by emotions. However, having solid knowledge about such issues and deepening our understanding is crucial for protecting ourselves. I hope this discussion serves as a starting point for considering the relationship between law and psychology. Behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, many truths remain hidden from us. Perhaps what is required of us moving forward is the ability to discern those truths.