Japanese actor Nijiro Murakami has issued his first public statement following reports that he is under investigation over allegations of assault involving his former girlfriend. The actor apologised to those affected by the situation and said he intends to address the matter in greater detail in the near future.
Details of the Allegations
The case was first reported by Japanese media, stating that the alleged incidents occurred between March and May 2024 in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. According to the reports, Murakami’s former girlfriend accused him of assaulting her on four separate occasions. The allegations include claims that he struck her, pulled her hair and forced her head into a window. The reports further stated that the woman required more than one month to recover from her injuries.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Japanese authorities reportedly began investigating after the woman filed a complaint with Harajuku Police Station. The case has since been referred to prosecutors, who will determine whether formal charges should be filed. At the time of publication, no charging decision has been announced and the investigation remains ongoing. According to reports, Murakami acknowledged during police questioning that he had caused harm to his former girlfriend. However, the precise legal interpretation of that statement has not been made public, and prosecutors are continuing their review of the evidence.
Public Apology on Instagram
On June 28, Murakami posted a statement on Instagram in both Japanese and English, offering an apology to fans and those connected to the situation. 'I would like to express my sincerest apologies for the considerable concern and inconvenience I have caused to everyone involved and to all of my fans and supporters,' he wrote. He also indicated that he intends to provide a fuller explanation in the future, adding, 'For the sake of those who have always stood by me, I will address the circumstances surrounding this matter in my own words in the near future.'
Career and Upcoming Projects
Murakami’s management had not publicly commented on the allegations at the time his statement was released. The 29-year-old actor is widely recognised internationally for portraying Chishiya in Netflix’s Alice in Borderland. He has also appeared in numerous Japanese films and television productions throughout his career. Despite the ongoing legal process, Murakami is currently scheduled to appear in the upcoming film Strange: Junji Ito’s Strange Stories That Keep You Up at Night, which is due for release on July 3. It remains unclear whether the investigation will affect promotional activities or future projects.
Public Attention and Legal Status
The case continues to attract significant public attention in Japan, particularly following Murakami’s public apology. As prosecutors review the evidence gathered during the investigation, no conclusions have been reached regarding criminal liability. Until a formal decision is made, the allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
