Question from a reader:
Regarding Masahiro Nakai, it seems that the woman who reported the incident is facing defamation, whereas Taichi Kokubun’s sexual harassment victim appears to be relatively protected. Why is there such a difference in treatment? Even though both cases resulted in investigations by the television networks and led to suspensions or withdrawals from activities, the reactions toward the
victims are completely different. Is it just the difference in status between a former female announcer and a general staff member that changes the reasons for the backlash against the victims? If the standard of justice changes based on “who we want to protect,” then can we truly call that justice?
Reflecting on the Different Treatment of Victims
Recently, I received a question about Masahiro Nakai’s situation, particularly the opinion that the woman who reported the incident is facing defamation while Taichi Kokubun’s sexual harassment victim seems to be relatively safeguarded. This is a very interesting topic, and I have thought about it a bit.
Does Status Influence Perception?
First of all, it’s undeniable that the difference in status between a former female announcer and a general staff member has an impact. In the media, former female announcers tend to attract more attention, making their statements and actions more visible to the public. In contrast, general staff members are often less known, which makes it difficult for their voices as victims to be heard. This reality significantly influences how we receive news and information. During my time working at a judicial scrivener’s office, I experienced how the way clients are treated can change based on their status and background. For instance, when a client is a very famous person, the reactions and treatment from those around them can become quite special. It’s a sad reality that the status and visibility of a victim can influence the reasons for the backlash they face.
Considering the Standards of Justice
I deeply resonate with the opinion that if the standards of justice change based on “who we want to protect,” then it cannot be considered true justice. Regardless of the victim’s status, their voices should be heard and respected. When we discuss justice, we must constantly question ourselves about the criteria we use to make judgments. In fact, while working at the judicial scrivener’s office, I heard a client express that they often feel their opinions are being dismissed. Spending time over coffee to understand his feelings was a very valuable experience for me as well. The world as seen from his perspective was a new discovery for me, and I felt that understanding is essential for making any change.
I Would Love to Hear Everyone’s Opinions
This topic is genuinely challenging and thought-provoking. What do you think? If you have any feelings regarding the treatment of victims or justice, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Any opinion is welcome, and I would be happy to hear about your experiences and ideas. I look forward to learning from various perspectives.
