Japanese man charged over insults after Netflix star Hana Kimura’s suicide

The man faces a US$80 fine for abusive comments on the actress’ social media account, a punishment some internet users say is too light
Kimura was fan favourite on reality show Terrace House, but was targeted by cyberbullies online

Doxxing and cyberbullying

Agence France-Presse

Published: 7:46am, 31 Mar 2021

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A man has been charged over online abuse directed at a Japanese star of Netflix reality show Terrace House who took her own life last year, prosecutors said Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Tokyo Prosecutors’ Office said a “summary indictment against a man in his 20s” had been made following the May 2020 death of Hana Kimura, a cast member of the internationally popular television show.

Police referred the man, who has not been named, to prosecutors in December, saying: “The suspect … posted messages on a social media account of the victim, including ‘You have such an awful personality. Is your life worth living?’ and ‘Hey, hey. When will you die?’”

Hana Kimura, from the cast of the popular Japanese reality series Terrace House, was a professional wrestler. Photo: Twitter

The man has been charged with making public insults but is not obliged to face trial under the indictment, as is often the case for relatively minor offences in Japan.

Local media said a Tokyo court had issued an order to fine him 9,000 yen (US$80).

Kimura, a confident pink-haired professional wrestler, was a fan favourite on the Japanese show Terrace House, in which six young people share a home while looking for love.

But she was targeted by a torrent of abuse online, reportedly including comments such as “everyone will be happy if you’re gone”.

After Hana Kimura’s death, can Japan stamp out its bullying culture?

The show was cancelled after Kimura’s death, which made international headlines and led Japanese ministers and lawmakers to move to tackle cyberbullying.

Tuesday’s indictment prompted concerns from some on Twitter that the punishment was too light.

“If he can get away with 9,000 yen, I’m worried that the number of cyberbullies will increase,” wrote one user, while another said: “It’s extremely wrong. There is no justice.”

If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page