Big news hitting the drama world today — a new report says 57‑year‑old actor Sato Jiroh allegedly physically and emotionally harassed 30‑year‑old Ai Hashimoto while they were filming Fuji TV’s upcoming drama Surname Confidential. The story comes from weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun, which used the Japanese phrase “爆弾ハラスメント” (often translated as “bomb harassment”) to describe the behaviour.
According to the report, the alleged incidents began in April on set: Sato reportedly made unsolicited physical contact — including touching Hashimoto’s cheeks — on multiple occasions. The article says a producer warned him, but the actions continued, and lawyers quoted in the piece characterized it as “serious harassment.” Naturally, the story has set off strong reactions online.
There’s already a follow‑up note: Sato’s agency has publicly denied that his behaviour constituted harassment. So far this is based on the Shukan Bunshun report and the agency response; Fuji TV’s official stance beyond internal attention in the piece hasn’t been detailed in the coverage shared so far.
Fans and netizens have been vocal — many expressing shock, anger, and support for Hashimoto, while others are calling for clearer action from production teams and broadcasters when on‑set complaints arise.
- Shukan Bunshun is a well‑known Japanese weekly magazine famous for celebrity exposés.
- Ai Hashimoto is a prominent actress who rose to fame in the 2010s and is now in her 30s; Surname Confidential was announced earlier this year as a Fuji TV drama featuring both leads.
- Sato Jiroh is a veteran character actor often seen in TV dramas and films, known for both comedic and supporting roles.
- Fuji TV is one of Japan’s major broadcasters; allegations on set generally draw industry and public scrutiny.
I’ll keep following this — it’s a serious allegation and, as always, I hope the truth comes out and that anyone affected is supported.
Source: Koreaboo