How a Translation App Exposed a J-Pop Idol Kenshin Kamimura Dark Side

Former Japanese idol Kenshin Kamimura has been fined for sexually harassing a female interpreter in Hong Kong. Local media, including NHK and AFP, reported the news on the 13th. The case has drawn attention not just for the incident itself but also for the way the court handled it.

Kamimura, once a member of the six-member group One & Only, was in Hong Kong for a fan meeting in March. After the event, there was a celebratory gathering. It was during this time that the harassment took place. Reports state he made unwanted physical contact with the interpreter, ignoring her protests. He was said to be intoxicated. Adding to the controversy, it was revealed he used a translation app to send her a message asking her to “go to the bathroom with him.”

The Hong Kong court stated that his actions showed clear disrespect towards women. The judges noted the victim’s position made it harder for her to react or refuse directly. They highlighted the power imbalance between Kamimura, a public figure, and the interpreter, who was working at the event.

The fine was set at 15,000 Hong Kong dollars, roughly 2.64 million won. This was in addition to the damages he had already paid. His legal team asked for a lighter punishment. They said he had faced personal hardships, including losing his father at a young age. They also mentioned he had already paid around 3 million Hong Kong dollars, close to 520 million won, in liquidated damages. He had also been in Hong Kong for more than five months because of the case.

Also Read: Taeil ‘I Admit All Charges’: Ex-NCT Idol’s Confession

Court Rejects His Denial

Kamimura denied the allegations during the trial. However, the court reviewed all the details of the case and found his claims unconvincing. The evidence and witness accounts led to the conclusion that the incident did occur as described.

The judges took into account that he had already lost his position in the group. His entertainment career is currently on hold. Despite this, they maintained the fine. The court’s stance was that consequences were necessary to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct.

Born in Nagoya in 1999, Kamimura began his career in entertainment in 2018. He debuted with One & Only and also appeared in Japanese TV dramas, including Missionary. His career seemed steady until the recent scandal. Following the allegations, his agency expelled him from the group. Public opinion in Japan and Hong Kong turned sharply against him.

The incident has raised questions among fans and the general public about the accountability of idols and entertainers. While his defenders cite his difficult past and financial penalties, critics argue that his actions show a lack of respect that cannot be excused by personal hardship. Many see the fine as a small part of the damage done, both to the victim and to public trust in such figures.

This case also shines a light on the environment at post-event gatherings. Alcohol, close contact, and blurred professional boundaries often create risky situations. The court’s comments about the imbalance of power between celebrities and event staff reflect a broader issue in the industry.

Kamimura’s name is now tied to this scandal. His future in the entertainment world is uncertain. While some believe he may try to rebuild his career in the future, others think the public backlash will make it nearly impossible. Either way, the case stands as a reminder of the consequences when personal conduct crosses the line, no matter the celebrity status.

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