On April 8, 2025, Japanese media reported that actress Ryoko Hirosue was arrested at a hospital in Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture, for allegedly assaulting a nurse. The incident unfolded after Hirosue, 44, was involved in a car accident the previous evening, which left her with minor injuries.
According to reports from Sankei Shimbun, the actress, who has been a prominent figure in Japanese entertainment, was taken to the hospital following a collision with a large tow truck on the Shin-Tomei Expressway in Kakegawa City at approximately 6:50 PM local time on April 7. At the time of the accident, she was reportedly accompanied by a man believed to be her manager. The tow truck driver emerged unscathed, while Hirosue and her companion were hospitalized.
While waiting for treatment at the Izunokuni City General Hospital around 12:20 AM on April 8, Hirosue allegedly kicked and scratched a 37-year-old female nurse, causing injury. Police, who were investigating the accident, arrested her at the scene. Initial reports indicated that she did not have identification on her, but police later confirmed her identity as Ryoko Hirosue based on her appearance.
Hirosue's agency, R.H., issued a public apology stating that she had been in a state of panic following the car accident, which led to the unfortunate incident with the medical staff. The agency expressed regret for the injury caused to the nurse and stated that they are currently investigating the matter, but cannot disclose further details at this moment. They also announced that Hirosue would temporarily suspend all entertainment activities.
This incident marks another chapter in Hirosue's tumultuous career. She has faced public scrutiny before, particularly in 2023 when she was involved in a scandal surrounding an affair with chef Shunya Zhou, which led to her divorce from her second husband, Candle JUNE. The fallout from that scandal saw her agency impose a ban on her activities, resulting in significant financial losses from canceled endorsements.
In a previous incident in 2001, Hirosue was reported to have taken a taxi from Tokyo to Chiba without money to pay the fare, leading to a bizarre situation where she borrowed money from locals and even sat on the street waiting for help. This incident drew media attention and raised concerns about her mental stability.
After a period of inactivity, Hirosue attempted to make a comeback by establishing her own agency and performing at events such as the Megaport Music Festival in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, just last month. However, her recent arrest has cast a shadow over her efforts to revive her career.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits further updates on Hirosue's situation and the implications it may have on her future in the entertainment industry. Her scheduled performances in Tokyo and Kochi on May 2 and May 6, respectively, have already been canceled as a result of this incident.
Born in 1980, Ryoko Hirosue gained fame in the 1990s and was often referred to as 'Japan's last beautiful girl of the 20th century'. She has starred in several popular television dramas and films, including Beach Boys, Long Vacation, and the Academy Award-winning film Departures. Despite her previous successes, her recent challenges highlight the pressures faced by public figures in Japan.
As this story develops, it raises important questions about the mental health of celebrities and the impact of public scrutiny on their lives. Hirosue's agency has stated that they will provide updates as more information becomes available, and the public is left to reflect on the complexities of fame and personal struggle.
