Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue, 45, made headlines in April this year after rear-ending a large trailer on the highway, causing a male passenger in the car to suffer a fractured bone. The incident occurred when she was driving at a speed of 185 kilometers per hour. The Tokyo Summary Court charged her with violating the Road Traffic Act, and she is expected to pay a fine of up to one million yen as customary.
Despite her uncertain return to the entertainment scene, the industry continues to show strong support for Ryoko Hirosue, with expectations that she may make a comeback in front of the camera in 2026.
In a previous report, it was detailed that on the early morning of April 8th, Ryoko Hirosue collided with a large truck on the highway, resulting in the total destruction of the front of her car, with scattered debris such as bumpers, car body pieces, and parts. She was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, where she unexpectedly kicked a nurse while waiting for medical attention and was subsequently arrested by the police investigating the accident. A male passenger in the car, claiming to be her manager, was taken to another hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, Ryoko Hirosue had to announce a complete halt to her work and revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, expressing her commitment to cooperating with medical professionals and focusing on her recovery during the accident investigation period.
It is worth noting that a Japanese fortune teller, “Love Me Do,” predicted in a YouTube video on March 31st that April would be a tumultuous month, with news of arrests on the 6th, 7th, and 8th, and stars possibly suspending activities from the 8th to the 10th. The description aligns remarkably well with the events surrounding Ryoko Hirosue.
With the investigation concluded and Ryoko Hirosue undergoing months of recovery, the Japanese media outlet “FLASH” recently reported that she issued a joint statement of apology through three lawyers to those involved. While she was not prosecuted for the case involving the nurse’s injury, Ryoko Hirosue expressed deep remorse for the distress and trouble caused to the victims, pledging to reflect on her behavior seriously and comply promptly with the court’s fine payment.
Regarding her potential return to the entertainment industry, although Ryoko Hirosue has not made a clear statement, with the injury charge not resulting in a prosecution, some in Japanese online communities criticized the leniency, questioning whether “Is it all over with just a fine?” and expressing concerns over the different treatment celebrities receive in such cases.
According to a report by the Japanese sports newspaper “Tokyo Sports,” support for Ryoko Hirosue within the entertainment industry continues to grow. An insider revealed, “Many key figures in the industry who have the power to select roles are from the generation that experienced the ‘Hirosue craze’ in the past and have a large fan base. Everyone is trying to find ways to assist her in work and offering invitations.”
The report further described Ryoko Hirosue as being polite, engaging actively with industry partners and media reports via email. A film producer disclosed, “Many invitations stem from a desire to support her in getting back on her feet. If her health permits, we could see her return to the screen as early as next year.”
Ryoko Hirosue gained fame for her debut as a “clean and pure beauty,” after making a splash in the past by getting into Waseda University. Renowned for her acting skills and popularity, her role in “Departures” won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, earning her international recognition in the film industry.