Japanese journalist Shiori Ito wins #MeToo damages case after accusing reporter of rape

The civil case made headlines in Japan and abroad, as it is rare for rape victims to report the crime to the police. According to a 2017 government survey, only four per cent of women come forward.

Ito, 30, has become an outspoken symbol for #MeToo in Japan, where the movement against sexual harassment and abuse has struggled to take hold.

She had sought 11 million yen (US$100,000) in compensation from Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a former TV reporter with close links to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, alleging he raped her after inviting her to dinner to discuss a job opportunity in 2015.

Yamaguchi denies any wrongdoing and had filed a countersuit against Ito, seeking 130 million yen in compensation. He announced on Wednesday he would appeal the ruling and claimed the court had failed to acknowledge inconsistencies and “falsehoods” in Ito’s argument while ignoring his own arguments, adding the significant international media attention may have clouded the judgement of the court.

“We won. The countersuit was turned down,” said Ito outside the court, holding up a victory banner as supporters cheered and clapped.

“Honestly I still don’t know how I feel,” she told reporters, struggling to hold back the tears. “However, winning this case doesn’t mean this [sexual assault] didn’t happen … This is not the end,” she added.