Question from the readers:
Do you think Hieda-san is pitiable?
Thoughts on Hieda-san
It’s common for opinions about Hieda-san to be divided. Especially in the case of a powerful media outlet like Fuji TV, its stance and actions are often scrutinized. As mentioned in the readers’ comments, there have indeed been claims that Fuji TV has harassed certain athletes and entertainers
in the past. There are various voices regarding the treatment of athletes like Mao Asada and groups like Arashi. As someone studying psychology at university, I often ponder the influence of media and the psychology behind it. For instance, when someone labels Hieda-san as “the main culprit,” they may unconsciously reinforce their own opinions. Holding such perspectives leads one to consider how their own opinions might impact others.
Legal Perspective
From a legal standpoint, how the media reports on specific individuals or organizations can lead to defamation or unjust bias. For example, if Fuji TV treats a particular athlete unfairly, that athlete might seek damages. In fact, there have been many instances where media-induced troubles escalated into legal battles. At my part-time job as a judicial scrivener, we often discuss how media influence can develop into legal issues. The legal world is governed by numerous rules, and the media is expected to operate within those boundaries.
Personal Reflections
That said, I occasionally find myself arriving too early and waiting around. Especially on workdays, I tend to get anxious and end up going in early. During such times, one of my joys is to buy my favorite snacks from a nearby convenience store and immerse myself in the contents of a book while I wait. Recently, I’ve been picking up more law-related books, which makes me happy as I can deepen my knowledge. Opinions about Hieda-san are varied, but the influence of media and its treatment raise important considerations. What do you all think? I would love to hear your experiences with being swayed by media reports or your thoughts in the comments.