Hong Kong court finds J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura guilty of indecent assault; fines him HK$15,000
A Hong Kong court convicted 26-year-old Kenshin Kamimura, formerly a member of the six-member boy group One N’ Only, of indecent assault against a woman who acted as his interpreter at a fan event in March. Kamimura had pleaded not guilty in April and did not testify during the July trial.
Magistrate Peter Yu said Kamimura’s conduct showed explicit disrespect toward women, with his touches carrying a sexual undertone. He fined Kamimura HK$15,000, indicating a desire to penalize the act without imposing a custodial sentence after a mitigation argument from the defense.
The sentence drew an emotional reaction in court, with Kamimura embracing the interpreter, and several fans in the public gallery crying. Dozens more waited outside as Kamimura left the building without comment.
The victim, identified in court as X, testified in July that Kamimura and actor Junsei Motojima had hired her as an interpreter for a fan meeting in Hong Kong on March 1. The group later gathered for a celebratory dinner in Mong Kok. X said Kamimura moved to sit beside her during a toasting session and began brushing and patting her thigh repeatedly, at times suggesting they should go to the bathroom together. He alternated between Chinese and Japanese in asking if she understood his intent.
X recounted that she declined, telling him she could leave if he wished to go. She attempted to move away to fetch tea, but Kamimura blocked her path and again urged her to accompany him. After she returned to her seat, Kamimura sat beside her again, apologized, and said, “Forget what just happened.” He also asked about her relationship status and whether she planned to marry her boyfriend. The touching to her inner thigh occurred again two to three times.
Kamimura’s legal team had urged a financial penalty rather than jail time, arguing for a non-custodial punishment. The court’s decision to impose a fine rather than imprisonment underscores the judiciary’s use of monetary penalties in cases of indecent acts where violence or coercion is not established.
Additional context and analysis:
– This case highlights ongoing attention to the conduct of public figures at entertainment events and the protections for staff and interpreters who operate in high-pressure fan environments.
– The outcome may influence how agencies and venues manage interactions between artists and staff during promotional activities, including clear guidelines and support for staff who report inappropriate behavior.
– While Kamimura faced legal accountability, the court’s decision to impose a fine rather than jail sends a message about proportional penalties in indecent assault cases that may involve non-violent behavior with a sexual undertone.
Summary and outlook:
Kamimura’s guilty verdict and subsequent fine mark a clear legal consequence for indecent conduct at a public event. This case contributes to a broader discourse on safeguarding individuals in the entertainment industry and ensuring that fans, staff, and interpreters can participate in events without fear of harassment. It also reinforces the message that authorities will act to address misconduct, while penalties may vary depending on the specifics of the incident and the defendant’s prior record.
Positive note:
The verdict demonstrates that victims’ voices can lead to accountability, and the justice system is prepared to address inappropriate behavior in the entertainment world, sending a hopeful signal that safer, respectful environments at public events are achievable.
Leave a comment