SHIMADA CITY, Japan – Ryoko Hirosue, a 44-year-old actress and singer, was arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly attacking a nurse at a hospital in Shimada city. The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. when Hirosue, who was reportedly receiving treatment following a car accident, scratched the nurse’s arm and kicked her multiple times, causing minor injuries.
Hirosue, known for her roles in the French action-comedy Wasabi and the Academy Award-winning film Departures, had been brought to the hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture the previous evening, following a car crash on the Shin-Tomei Expressway in Kakegawa city. She was the driver of a vehicle that collided with a trailer truck. Although she sustained unspecified injuries in the crash, it was reported that her manager was also in the car with her at the time.
While waiting for medical treatment on Tuesday morning, Hirosue allegedly lashed out at the nurse, leading to her arrest on suspicion of inflicting injury. The exact reason behind the attack is still unclear.
Hirosue’s management agency confirmed the incident and issued a public apology. The statement, released by her agency, expressed deep regret for the situation, stating: “We sincerely apologize to the victim and all those involved for the inconvenience and concern we have caused.” The agency also noted that due to the ongoing investigation, further details would not be disclosed, and Hirosue would be refraining from all entertainment activities for the time being.
This incident is another in a series of controversies surrounding the actress. In 2023, Hirosue made headlines after reports revealed her extramarital affair with Michelin-starred chef Shusaku Toba. Initially denying the affair, she later confirmed it through her social media account, which led to her divorce from her husband, Jun Izutsu, shortly afterward.
The investigation into the attack on the nurse is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.
