Kenshin Kamimura, the Japanese pop idol who rose to fame in the BL drama Our Youth, has been found guilty of indecent assault in Hong Kong. The 24-year-old, also known for his role in Ossan’s Love Returns, faced sentencing Wednesday before a packed courtroom filled with fans and curious onlookers.
Kamimura’s career took off after his breakout BL role, where he built a devoted international fan base. However, the court verdict now casts a long shadow over his once-promising future.
The Incident and Trial
Police arrested Kenshin Kamimura in March after allegations surfaced that he touched a female interpreter’s thigh multiple times during a celebratory dinner. The interpreter testified via live video that Kamimura also invited her to a bathroom elsewhere in the restaurant. She rejected the invitation and reminded him that she had a boyfriend, but he continued to touch her thigh.
The defense claimed the interpreter exaggerated her statements and argued the bathroom invitation might not have carried improper intent.
Judge Peter Yu disagreed. In his ruling, Yu said Kamimura touched the woman in a “caressing nature” that carried a sexual undertone and showed indecent intent. “The defendant’s acts are obviously disrespectful toward women,” Yu stated. “Such behaviour should be condemned.”
Sentence and Immediate Reactions
Judge Yu fined Kenshin Kamimura 15,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,900) and imposed no prison term. The maximum penalty for indecent assault is 10 years in prison. After the sentence, Kamimura appeared relieved and hugged his courtroom translator.
Inside the courtroom, some fans cried openly. Chen, a 30-year-old screenwriter from northern China, traveled to attend the session. She said the trial hurt Kamimura’s image and fueled “public outbursts of vitriol against the artist.”
Outside, more supporters waited to see him, including fans from Japan and mainland China. Some were not fans but attended out of curiosity after reading online debates about the case.
Fans and Public Divide
University student Betty Zhong from Shenzhen said she came to understand the full picture. “News reports are not so comprehensive. When I come here, I can understand it holistically and hear both sides,” she explained.
Kamimura’s loyal fans, who once celebrated his success in the BL industry, now face a stark reality. His conviction marks a sharp turn in a career that seemed unstoppable only a year ago.
From BL Stardom to Legal Trouble
Before the scandal, Kenshin Kamimura enjoyed rising popularity thanks to Our Youth, a boys’ love series that drew wide praise. He also appeared in Ossan’s Love Returns and several other dramas. His charm and romantic screen presence made him a fan favorite across Asia.
With the verdict delivered, his future in entertainment remains uncertain. For now, Kamimura leaves Hong Kong carrying both the weight of a conviction and the loyalty of fans still unwilling to let go.
Sources: ABCNEWS, JAPANTIMES, REUTERS,
Our Previous Articles related to this case: March 5, 2025 & April 15, 2025
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