Hong Kong media has reported that police have arrested a member of a Japanese boy band on charges of sexual assault. In a fast and appropriate response, the group’s management company says it’s already dropped him from the team.
On March 2nd, Hong Kong police arrested Kamimura Kenshin (styled professionally as KENSHIN), a rapper and dancer in the group ONE N’ ONLY. TBS News Dig in Japan reports that Kamimura “indecently assaulted” an interpreter assigned to the group for a fan meeting on March 1st.
A picture of part of the assault allegedly circulated on social media after the incident. The victim filed a police report shortly after, leading to Kamimura’s arrest a day later.
“No refunds”
Responding to the incident, Stardust Promotions, which produces ONE N’ ONLY, said on its website:
“We have just recently become aware of a serious compliance violation involving Kamimura Kenshin. As a result, he is no longer in the group and Stardust Promotions has terminated his contract.
“We are so sorry to both SWAG [ONE N’ ONLY fan club] members and everyone connected to it for this sudden announcement.
“The previously announced LIVE TOUR2025「||: ONE N’ ONLY :|| will go on as a five-person performance. Please understand that we will not be issuing refunds.”
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(I don’t know what’s worse, honestly: being obsessed with refunds and money in a statement about a sexual assault or the fan club being named “SWAG.”)
The arrest marks another low point for Japan’s music scene. The country has been rattled since December after the revelation that former SMAP member Nakai Masahiro privately settled a sexual assault allegation to the tune of over half a million dollars. Fuji TV, which has fended off allegations that its staff members helped Nakai with his sexual predation, has lost millions in advertising over the scandal.
On the plus side, the swift reaction to Kamimura reflects a growing realization that the country needs to take sexual assault more seriously. Crimes such as molestation largely go unreported because victims believe police won’t take them seriously.
Stardust’s reference to “compliance” may sound stilted and corporate-esque (and it is). But it reflects a growing understanding among Japanese companies that failing to address the predators in their midst is, at least, bad for business.
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