Former J‑Pop Idol Kenshin Kamimura Convicted of Indecent Assault in Hong Kong Court
A major legal blow struck former Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura, who was found guilty of indecent assault against a female interpreter following a fan event in Hong Kong earlier this year. The verdict was handed down by Magistrate Peter Yu on Wednesday.
Who is Kenshin Kamimura?
Kamimura, aged 26 and once a member of the boy band One N’ Only, was convicted for repeatedly stroking the interpreter’s thigh during a celebratory dinner held in Mong Kok after a promotional fan appearance. Despite her clear resistance—including verbal refusal and distancing—the singer persisted in his behavior and even used a smartphone app to invite her to the bathroom, which the court deemed improper.
In response, Magistrate Yu imposed a fine of HK$15,000 (roughly US$1,900), stopping short of incarceration, even though the maximum sentence for the offense could have reached ten years in prison. He strongly criticized Kamimura’s conduct as “patently a disrespect of women.”
The interpreter—the victim—testified via video link during the July trial, describing how she declined Kamimura’s advances by stating she had a boyfriend. Nevertheless, he continued to touch her thigh multiple times.
Kenshin Kamimura’s plea in April
Kamimura pleaded not guilty in April and opted not to take the stand during his trial. His defense team suggested that the interpreter may have exaggerated her claims and argued that alcohol played a role in impairing his judgment that evening.
In the immediate fallout of the incident, Kamimura’s talent agency—Stardust Promotion Inc.—announced the termination of his contract, citing a severe breach of compliance. This action effectively ended his tenure with One N’ Only.
Fan’s reaction
The courtroom was filled with emotional scenes from supporters; a few of his fans were seen weeping during the verdict. Around 110 people, including fans from Japan and mainland China, attended the proceeding.
Kamimura isn’t just a singer—he’s also an actor, having appeared in Japanese TV dramas such as “Our Youth”, “Ossan’s Love Returns”, and “The Unknown Me.” His career, which began in 2015, now faces a significant setback in light of the conviction.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Verdict | Guilty of indecent assault |
| Penalty | Fine of HK$15,000 (approx. US$1,900) |
| Maximum | Sentence Up to 10 years in prison |
| Allegations | Repeated thigh-touching and bathroom invitation post-fan event |
| Defense | Argument Claims of exaggeration; diminished judgment due to alcohol |
| Career | Impact Contract terminated; removed from One N’ Only |
| Courtroom | Atmosphere Fans emotional; supporters from Japan and China present |
| Entertainment | Background Singer and actor with several TV drama credits |
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