On April 8, 2025, actress Hiroko Yakushimaru was arrested by the Shizuoka Prefectural Police at the Shimada City Municipal General Medical Center on suspicion of injuring a nurse. This shocking incident unfolded just hours after she was involved in a traffic accident on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, where she rear-ended a large trailer truck while driving toward Tokyo.
The accident occurred around 6:50 PM on April 7, 2025, and both Yakushimaru and a man believed to be her manager were transported to the hospital for treatment. While neither sustained life-threatening injuries, Yakushimaru suffered minor abrasions and was reportedly in a state of panic upon arrival at the hospital.
According to police reports, Yakushimaru was seen behaving erratically at the accident scene, wandering around and exhibiting signs of instability. Witnesses noted that she was unable to sit or stand still. Despite these observations, police stated that there was no smell of alcohol detected on her breath at the time of the accident or during her arrest.
At approximately 12:20 AM on April 8, while at the hospital, Yakushimaru allegedly kicked a nurse and pulled her arm, causing injuries. This led to her immediate arrest by the Kakegawa Police Station. Initially, she was referred to as 'self-proclaimed' Hiroko Yakushimaru because she did not have her identification with her when she was brought to the hospital. However, her identity was later confirmed through inquiries with related parties.
In a statement released by her agency, R.H., they apologized for the incident, acknowledging that Yakushimaru had caused a traffic accident and subsequently injured a medical professional due to her panic at the hospital. The agency also announced that she would be suspending all entertainment activities for the time being.
Witnesses at the hospital reported that Yakushimaru was not only acting erratically but also expressed feelings of distress, stating phrases such as 'Drug complete!' and 'I want to run away.' These comments, made before her arrest, indicate a potential struggle with her mental state at that time.
Her former husband disclosed that Yakushimaru experiences a collapse of mental stability approximately every two years, which may provide some context for her behavior leading up to the incident.
As the investigation continues, police have announced plans to conduct both drug and alcohol tests on Yakushimaru. They emphasized that they are broadening their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a spokesperson stating, "We will conduct a thorough investigation, including drug and alcohol testing."
Furthermore, legal experts have suggested that the police might conduct voluntary searches of her belongings and her vehicle, even without a warrant, as they seek to understand the full scope of the events that transpired.
In the aftermath of the incident, Yakushimaru's agency has faced significant scrutiny, with many fans and the public expressing shock at the news. The actress, who has been a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry, is now at the center of a serious legal situation.
As more details emerge, the implications of this incident could have lasting effects on her career and public image. The combination of a traffic accident, alleged assault, and potential drug involvement raises serious concerns about her well-being and the pressures faced by public figures in the entertainment industry.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the incident has already sparked discussions about mental health, the responsibilities of public figures, and the need for support systems within the entertainment industry.
Hiroko Yakushimaru's case serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of celebrity life, there are often struggles that remain hidden from the public eye. As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what consequences may arise for the actress.
