Actor Ryoko Hirosue Arrested on Suspicion of Assault at Hospital in Japan

Tokyo, April 8, 2025 – Japanese actor Ryoko Hirosue was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of injuring a nurse at a hospital in central Japan, according to police reports. The incident occurred at Shimada General Medical Center in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Police stated that Hirosue, aged 44, allegedly kicked a nurse and scratched her arm at the hospital past midnight on Monday. The actor had been taken to the facility following a car accident earlier that evening, where her vehicle rear-ended a truck on the Shin-Tomei Expressway around 6:50 p.m. A man believed to be her manager was in the car at the time of the accident.

Hirosue gained prominence in the 1990s and is known for her roles in various films, including the Oscar-winning “Departures.” The arrest has drawn attention due to her status as a well-known figure in Japanese entertainment.

No additional details regarding the condition of the nurse or the extent of her injuries have been disclosed by authorities. The police are continuing their investigation into the alleged assault, and no further statements have been released by Hirosue’s representatives or the hospital as of the latest reports.

This incident adds to recent discussions in Japan about public figures and their interactions with healthcare professionals, though no broader implications or trends are suggested by this single event. The case remains under review, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.