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Japanese actress Hirosue Ryoko has been released early this morning following her arrest over an alleged assault on a nurse at a hospital in Shizuoka Prefecture.
She was freed at around 6:20am on April 16 after it was confirmed that no illegal substances were found in her system, and that progress has been made in settling the assault case outside of court.
The 44-year-old actress had been arrested on the spot on 8 April after allegedly injuring a 37-year-old female nurse at a city hospital in Shimada, Shizuoka.
The incident occurred just hours after Hirosue was involved in a car crash while driving on the Shin-Tomei Expressway.
According to Shizuoka police and reports from Kakegawa Police Station, Ryoko had been driving a car near the Awagatake Tunnel close to Kakegawa Parking Area at around 6:50pm on the 7th.
She rear-ended a large trailer after taking over driving duties from her manager during a return trip from Nara to Tokyo, where she had been filming for a movie set to be released next year.
Her male companion, who claimed to be her manager, suffered broken bones in the crash and both were transported to a city hospital in Shimada for treatment.
It was there, several hours later at around 12:20am on the 8th, that the alleged assault on the nurse took place.
Hirosue Ryoko was said to have kicked the nurse’s left leg several times with her right foot and scratched her arm, leaving her with minor injuries.
Following her arrest, she was sent to the Hamamatsu West Police Station, and then referred to the Shizuoka District Public Prosecutors Office on the 9th.
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On the 10th, her Tokyo home was searched on suspicion of violating Japan’s dangerous driving laws, particularly for causing injury while operating a vehicle.
However, key turning points came with the outcome of her drug screening, which confirmed that no illegal substances were present in her system.
Additionally, sources say the process of private settlement with the assaulted nurse has progressed, reducing the likelihood of further criminal charges being pursued.
With these developments, the authorities have shifted their investigation to a voluntary basis, meaning Hirosue Ryoko is no longer detained but will continue to be questioned regarding both the assault and the traffic incident.
The timeline of events is as follows:
7 April: Hirosue Ryoko leaves Nara for Tokyo with her manager, takes over driving after a break at Hamamatsu SA, crashes into a lorry at Awagatake Tunnel.
8 April: Around 12:20am, allegedly assaults nurse at hospital in Shimada. Arrested on the spot and moved to Hamamatsu West Police Station.
9 April: Referred to Shizuoka prosecutors at 2pm.
10 April: Her home in Tokyo is searched. Authorities pursue charges under the Dangerous Driving Causing Injury Act. Detention request is approved by the Shizuoka District Court.
16 April: Released at 6:20am after negative drug test and progress in private settlement.
Hirosue Ryoko, a long-standing figure in Japanese entertainment, had recently returned to acting following previous scandals.
Her management has not yet issued a statement, and it remains uncertain how this incident will affect her career moving forward.
FAQ:
What was Ryoko Hirosue arrested for? She was arrested for allegedly assaulting a nurse and later investigated for dangerous driving causing injury.
Were any drugs found in her system? No illegal substances were detected in her drug screening.
What’s the current status of the case? She has been released and will now be subject to voluntary investigation.
Is the nurse pressing charges? It appears the parties are pursuing an out-of-court settlement, although official details remain limited.
Was anyone else injured? Yes, the male manager who accompanied her sustained bone fractures during the car crash.
Is this expected to impact her career? It's too early to tell, but the scandal may affect future projects, especially given her previous controversies.