Question from Readers:
What do you think about the report from the third-party committee at Fuji Television regarding Masahiro Nakai? The report states that Nakai’s actions are classified as “sexual violence” and “human rights violations,” but lawyer Toru Hashimoto has raised questions about this. He points out that it is dangerous to make unilateral judgments based solely on internal human rights
sensibilities. While the report references definitions of sexual violence from the Cabinet Office and WHO, there are opinions that under Japanese law, immediate punishment does not apply unless the other party shows a clear intention to reject. Hashimoto criticizes the idea of labeling Nakai as a “perpetrator of sexual violence” based solely on the victim’s subjective feelings, deeming it unfair. In light of this situation, I’d like to hear your thoughts: Is it acceptable to label someone a sexual offender based solely on internal criteria, or is it reasonable to recognize something as sexual violence only when it is felt to be against one’s will?
Reflections on the Report Regarding Masahiro Nakai
Recently, the report from the third-party committee at Fuji Television regarding Masahiro Nakai has been a hot topic. The report suggests that Nakai’s actions are categorized as “sexual violence” and “human rights violations,” which has drawn interesting responses, especially from lawyer Toru Hashimoto. Personally, I believe Nakai is a significant figure in Japan’s entertainment industry, and the extent of his influence and responsibility is immense. Therefore, it’s understandable that various opinions arise when such issues come to light.
The Fear of Social Erasure
Looking at the content of the report, it indeed seems to be based on the definition of “sexual violence,” but there are legal complexities involved. I resonate with Hashimoto’s point that if the other party does not demonstrate a will to reject, immediate punishment is not guaranteed. Even if one is not legally punished, the risk of social erasure is exceedingly high. I recall a time when a friend of mine got caught up in a scandal and lost their position overnight. Despite having done nothing wrong, they faced tremendous hardship due to rumors and biases from those around them. Such experiences make it hard for me to view Nakai’s situation as someone else’s problem.
How to View Nakai’s Actions
If the contents of the report are true, then criticism is warranted. However, I question whether it is truly fair to label someone a “perpetrator of sexual violence” based solely on the report’s contents. Judging solely based on the victim’s subjective perspective is indeed risky. As Nakai’s fan, I want to believe he did not engage in any acts of sexual violence, but I also recognize that he carries social responsibility. If he has acted inappropriately in any way, he should be held accountable for those actions.
The Need for Support from Those Around Him
For those around Nakai who genuinely care for him, I believe it is important not to blindly defend him, but rather to calmly advise him to “take a step back for now.” When we support our friends, it’s crucial to consider reality alongside our emotions. Now, what do you think? In times like these, what advice would you give to those around you? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
