Question from readers:
I’m very surprised to read Tōru Hashimoto’s views on the matter regarding Masahiro Nakai being labeled a “sexual offender.” Hashimoto argues that the findings of the “third-party committee” from Fuji TV, which recognized Nakai’s actions as “sexual violence,” are unjust. He believes that Nakai’s actions do not legally constitute “sexual violence” and points out significant flaws in
the report. He particularly warns that it is extremely dangerous for Nakai to face social sanctions based solely on the claims of the women involved. There is a growing trend in media and social media to treat someone as a perpetrator simply based on claims of “lack of consent,” which raises concerns about the rule of law in our society. Are we really qualified to condemn Masahiro Nakai as a “sexual offender”? I believe we need to think calmly and based on laws and evidence, rather than blindly accepting reports. Is it truly correct for someone’s life to end simply because they are said to have acted “against someone’s will”? I would love to hear everyone’s opinions on this matter.
Considering the Issue of “Sexual Offense” Between Media and Law
Recently, Tōru Hashimoto’s views on the allegations against Masahiro Nakai as a “sexual offender” have garnered attention. As he points out, there is a significant danger in condemning someone based solely on one-sided information from the media and social media. Reflecting on the treatment of Kōno in the Matsumoto Sarin case makes it clear how biased media reports can be. As someone studying law, I also have complex feelings about this issue. We must make calm judgments based on laws and evidence rather than taking media reports at face value. I deeply feel how dangerous it is for someone to face social sanctions based solely on the claims of the other party.
The Peril of Media Reporting
The phrase “media runaway” aptly describes the situation. In Kōno’s case, he was suspected of being the perpetrator merely for possessing pesticides, without proper fact-checking. Similarly, in Nakai’s case, we are seeing one-sided reporting. I believe we need a more multifaceted perspective to uncover the truth. Personally, I often discuss the complexities of law with friends. One day, a friend casually said, “In a rule-of-law country, you can’t be found guilty without evidence, right?” That remark struck me. In the daily life where we often forget legal principles, his words served as a realization for me.
The Difference Between Abuse of Superior Position and Sexual Violence
I also believe that just because the woman involved claims there was “no consent,” it does not automatically make it “sexual violence.” I agree with the opinion that everything except non-consensual sexual intercourse through physical force should not be considered “sexual violence.” Even if Nakai’s actions involved the abuse of a superior position, we must carefully consider whether they legally qualify as sexual violence. While the abuse of superior positions in the entertainment industry is indeed a problem, the approach to address it should differ from that of sexual violence. I think it’s important for society as a whole to confront this issue.
I Would Like to Hear Your Opinions
How do you feel about the treatment of law and media? I would love for you to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. How we perceive this issue can empower us to change future society. I look forward to participating in the upcoming discussions and hearing everyone’s opinions.
