J-Idols Project Radio - Global Edition

A proper translation is now available in two parts at https://twitter.com/sanatanslator/status/1119937729997893633

and https://twitter.com/sanatanslator/status/1119949258898063360 thanks to sanatranslator.

(apologies for any incorrect translations)

The third party committee reported on March 18th the results of the survey, so we will publish the full text of the report. 

In the report of the third party committee, the facts related to this case were discovered, and it was judged that none of the members of NGT48 were involved in the case itself, plus it was pointed out that there were operational deficiencies.

We sincerely accept the results of the survey and would like to do our best to improve the deficiencies pointed out by the third party committee. 

In addition, in order to make a firm response to the assault suspects, we are examining civil legal measures to prevent such cases from happening again. 

Also, in the report of the third party committee, although it is not directly related to this case, it is mentioned that some members had a private relationship with the fans.  In our company a relationship with fans is considered inappropriate as it is an act of giving preference to specific fans.

However, it is necessary (for us) to be held responsible because we have problems with organizational management, and we have not provided appropriate standards and guidance to staff and members in advance. The general disturbance of customary behaviour, including private interactions with fans, is irrelevant at this time. 

As a policy for the future, we always talk and solve matters with the members through discussions, and as management we will be strict in considering their removal, if we discover relationships with fans or actions that disturb the group's cohesiveness.

Again, considering the safety measures of members as the top priority, strengthening the management system at the time of transfer of members, strengthening the crime prevention system, strengthening the management system of appartments where members live, strengthening the security system at handshake meetings, and specifically we will thoroughly prevent the occurrence of (private) relationships with fans. 

Based on that, we will strengthen organizational management, thoroughly educate members and staff, and promote awareness. 

We will work on being a sound management so that you can support NGT48 again.

That's all.

Sentencing

On November 30 Hitomi Yoshizawa was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for five years.

In sentencing Judge Takao Sato said "You bear a serious responsibility, but a settlement has been reached with the victims and I am reflecting that".

Details of the Hearing

(1137 members of the public queued to attend the hearing - 20 were admitted)

Hitomi Yoshizawa (33), former member of the idol group Morning Musume, was charged with violating the Road Trip Law and violating the Car Driver Punishment Act (negligence injury).  On November 29, at the Tokyo District Court (Judge Takao Sato presiding), the former idol admitted the content of the indictment.  The prosecution charged that the defendant's negligence was severe and asked for two years in prison.  The defense side questioned the proposed sentence and suggested a suspended sentence.

　The defendant stood in a gray suit while stiffening her expression.  Her hair, which was brown at the bail hearing, was dyed black and her makeup was softened.  When asked by the judge "Is it the same address, occupation as written in the indictment?" she answered "It is different only in the occupation", and when asked "Is it unemployed?" answered "Yes".

　The prosecution said in the opening statement that the defendant had drunk 2 cups of shochu and 2 litres of shochu carbonate at home from around 8:15pm the day before the accident until around midnight, and went to bed at about 1am .  She woke up around 6am, started driving after around 51 minutes, with the accident occurring around 57 minutes later.

　The defense side clarified that a settlement with the two victims had been made, and submitted a petition by the former affiliated office (Up-Front) president and the manager seeking consideration of the circumstances. When the president's words of "I would like to reach out as a friend, as a senior in life, even after retirement" were read out, the defendant sobbed.

　Mrs. Yoshizawa, who was asked about current drinking by the defense counsellor afterwards, answered "It is suddenly decreasing".  Her husband also confirmed this.

　It was reiterated that a settlement has been reached with the victims.  The woman stated "I suffered an injury that left scars on my face and I received mental damage, I wanted compensation."  Although it was expected that negotiations would be difficult, she said that an agreement on compensation had been reached.

　Through tearful eyes Mrs. Yoshizawa addressed the victims "I apologize because I feel really sorry for what happened - I will not live to forget what happened at this time".

　According to the indictment, Mrs. Yoshizawa was driving a car after having drunk alcohol in Nakano Ward, Tokyo on the morning of September 6.  At 86 kilometers per hour, ignoring the red light, she entered the intersection and caused an accident inflicting minor injuries to a man and woman who were traversing.  It is said that she drove away from the scene without taking measures to aid the victims.

Questions from the Defense Counsel:

　- Why whiskey alcohol?

　"I think that I should have refrained, I am deeply sorry about what I've drunk."

　- After hitting the victim, the witness at the next intersection taps on the passenger window glass of the defendant's car

　"Since I was in a panic situation ... I did not know what I was doing.  After a while I found a place to stop the car after I calmed down and I told my husband about dialling 110 (Japanese emergency service number)"

　- What was the time after the incident before reporting it?

　"The sense of time has been upset, so I do not remember"

　- Are you driving after the accident?

　"Yes"

　- Why did you retire from the entertainment industry?

　"I'm really sorry for the victims"

Questions by the Prosecution Counsel:

　- Although you were in a contact accident in 2017, has your driving continued unchanged?

　"I did not specifically forget it"

　- Traffic violation 3 times and accident 2 times in 4 years after obtaining your license. Is your knowledge of traffic regulations insufficient?

　"I think that it was not enough"

　- Why did this happen if you are in a position to draw public attention from the public?

   "I think that I am too easy on myself (not self-disciplined)"

　- Do you intend to reacquire your license

　"I do not intend to do so"

　- Accident vehicles are kept by the police. What will you do if it is returned?

　"I will dispose of it"

　- Are you no longer planning to ride in a car?

　"Yes"

Question by the Judge:

　- What specific part of you is easy on yourself?

　"I think it is that as a drinker and as a society person, I am relaxed."

(The following contains translations - these may not be entirely accurate)

Original at http://bunshun.jp/articles/-/7848

It has been reported by this week's " Weekly Bunshun" magazine that a contract exists between members of NMB48 and the affiliation office "KYORAKU Yoshimoto Holdings Co., Ltd." forbidding employment for a lengthy period after withdrawal from the group 

Unlike other sister groups such as AKB48, all the members of NMB48 belong to an affiliated company of Yoshimoto Kogyo. The Weekly Bunshun digital interview team were able to see the actual "exclusive contract". There was the following clause:

"Do not conduct external arts activities for two years starting from the date of termination of this contract"

"It's almost like a slave contract! If you stop the activity for two years, it's actually a retirement from the entertainment world" an unnamed former NMB48 member is quoted as saying.

The magazine consulted a labor lawyer, who pointed out that such a clause is likely to be as a violation of the Antimonopoly Act.

A Yoshimoto Kogyo 's spokesperson is quoted as saying: "There is definitely a clause in the NMB's contract but I have not used it as a method of restricting activities.The contract of the children who entered in March this year has no such provision, and the contract there is with the former members for two years is not binding."