The trial of Kenshin Uemura's indecent assault case continues, with the defense arguing that the knee-on-knee incident may have been an accident. The case was ruled on August 13.

The trial of Japanese actor Kenshin Uemura, accused of indecently assaulting a female translator in a restaurant in Mong Kok, Hong Kong on March 2, 2025, continued on July 31, 2025, at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts. The defense called the event organizer to testify. The witness stated that the crowded conditions that night suggested the possibility that the physical contact between the defendant and the female victim was an accidental "knee-to-knee" encounter. In its closing argument, the defense emphasized that the female victim's testimony was exaggerated and that the defendant's apology did not constitute an admission of guilt. The magistrate ultimately adjourned the case to August 13, 2025, for a verdict. The following is a detailed summary of the case, trial progress, and related background.

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Case background and defendant information

Kamimura KenshinThe defendant, 25, is a member of the Japanese boy band "ONE N' ONLY" and rose to fame for his role in the BL drama "Underage ~Immature Us Awkward March~" (hereinafter referred to as "Underage"). He came to Hong Kong on March 2, 2025, to attend a fan meeting. After the event, a celebration banquet was held at Ming Kee Restaurant on the 3rd floor of 180 Portland Street, Mong Kok. The defendant is accused of indecently assaulting a female translator who assisted with the event that evening (referred to as "X" by the court). According to the prosecution's charges, the defendant made inappropriate physical contact with X under the table, allegedly touching her inner thigh, and repeatedly showed her the Chinese text "Want to go to the toilet outside together?" on his mobile phone, attempting to leave alone with X.

Case number is WKCC 919/2025The defendant was first brought to court in April 2025. During a previous hearing, the defendant was found to have a prima facie case, but chose not to testify in person, instead having the defense call witnesses to address the prosecution's charges.

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Trial Details and Timeline

The following is a detailed timeline of the case hearing and the proceedings:

March 2, 2025: The night of the incident

• PlaceMing Kee Chiu Restaurant, 3/F, 180 Portland Street, Mong Kok
• eventThe defendant, Kenshin Uemura, held a celebratory dinner at a restaurant with staff and some fans after attending a fan meeting for the film "Minor." The female complainant, X, was the Japanese translator for the event and sat at the same table as the defendant.
• The prosecution chargedThe defendant repeatedly touched X's thighs, including the inner thighs, under the table and displayed the Chinese text "Want to go to the restroom outside together?" on his mobile phone. X said the defendant's behavior made her uncomfortable and complained to the event organizer afterwards.
• Defendant's reactionAccording to X's testimony, the defendant apologized to her after the incident, which the prosecution regarded as an apology for his misconduct.

April 2025: First hearing

• The defendant was formally charged with indecent assault, and the case was heard for the first time at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts.
• The defendant was noticeably thinner at the time and looked haggard compared to his public appearances in Japan.
• The court ruled that there was a prima facie case, and the case proceeded to the formal trial stage.

July 31, 2025: Continued hearing

• PlaceWest Kowloon Magistrates' Courts
• magistrateYu Junxiang
• Defense witnessThe event planner, Leung Siu-lun (transliteration), is the Japanese head of "Yu-Hsing Culture," the organizer of the Hong Kong fan meeting for "Underage".
• Witness testimony:
• Leung Siu-lun testified in Cantonese, stating that he sat at the same table with X and the defendant that evening, and that he saw the defendant and X chatting and laughing together in a harmonious atmosphere, and that he did not notice that X was unhappy.
• Leung recalled that the celebration banquet was cramped, describing it as "knee-to-knee," implying that the physical contact may have been unintentional.
• Leung confirmed that the defendant went to the toilet on his own, but because he was worried about being harassed by fans, he offered to accompany him. He denied that the defendant needed X to lead the way.
• Prosecution cross-examination:
• The prosecution questioned the necessity of the defendant displaying the Chinese phrase "Do you want to go to the toilet together?" because X understands Japanese and the two could communicate directly in Japanese.
• The prosecution emphasized that the defendant's apology showed that he was aware of his misconduct.
• Closing Statement:
• prosecutionX's testimony was clear and direct, and he did not waver under cross-examination, demonstrating a high degree of credibility. The defendant's apology and display of Chinese characters both pointed to improper intent, and he should be found guilty.
• defenseX's testimony was exaggerated; for example, his initial statement in court that the defendant touched his inner thigh lacked consistency. The defense emphasized that the environment was cramped, the contact could have been accidental, and the defendant's apology was not a guilty plea.
• Court ArrangementsMagistrate Yu Junxiang stated that he needed time to consider the evidence and adjourned the sentencing to August 13, 2025.

August 13, 2025 (tentative)

• The court will deliver its verdict on this day, determining whether the defendant is guilty.

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Observations from outside the courtroom and public reaction

The defendant's emotionsAfter the hearing, Kenshin Uemura's eyes were red, and he wiped away tears with a tissue as he left the courtroom, appearing emotionally distraught. He also smiled briefly at times, showing clear fluctuations in his emotions. Compared to his appearance in April, he appeared much thinner, reflecting the potential impact of the case's stress on his physical and mental well-being.

Fan reactionThe court distributed approximately 200 tickets to the public gallery that day, which was mainly occupied by young women, some of whom were identified as fans of the defendant. After the court session, some fans saw the defendant wiping away tears and also covered their faces and wept, demonstrating their support for their idol. Other spectators looked at the defendant as the court session ended and exclaimed, "So handsome!", reflecting that the defendant's popularity among some members of the public had not completely faded due to the case.

Public discussionAccording to real-time information from platform X, the case has sparked heated discussions among netizens. Some users support the defendant, believing the accusations may be exaggerated; others criticize the defendant's actions, emphasizing that celebrities should act with caution. However, as the case is still under trial, public opinion remains divided.

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The focus of the case

Credibility of the female victim's testimony:

• The prosecution argued that X's testimony was clear and direct, unwavering under cross-examination, and that the defendant's apology showed he was aware of his wrongdoing.
• The defense questioned the exaggeration in X's testimony, such as the first mention of touching the inner thigh, and argued that his statements lacked consistency.

Environmental factors:

• The defense emphasized that the celebratory banquet was crowded and the contact was likely an unintentional act of "knee-to-knee" rather than intentional molestation.
• The prosecution countered that the defendant's actions were targeted and that displaying Chinese characters indicated that his intentions were not pure.

The defendant's apology:

• The prosecution argued that the defendant's "I'm sorry" was an admission of wrongdoing.
• The defense argued that an apology is not a confession, but may simply be a polite expression or an attempt to ease tensions.

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Chart Display: Case Timeline

The following is a visual timeline of the case's progress, showing key events and dates:

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Legal background and potential consequences

according toChapter 200 of the Laws of Hong KongSection 122 of the Crimes Ordinance classifies indecent assault as a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years' imprisonment. The court will consider the following factors in its ruling:

• Credibility of evidenceWhether the testimonies of the female complainant and the witnesses are consistent and credible.
• behavioral intentionThe question is whether the defendant's actions were intentional or, as the defense claims, accidental.
• Environmental factorsDoes the seating arrangement and environment at the crime scene support the defense's argument of "accident"?

If convicted, the defendant could face imprisonment, fines, or community service orders, with the specific sentence depending on the severity of the case and the defendant's background. If acquitted, the case will minimize the impact on their entertainment career, but their public image may have already been damaged.

Further reading:

• Kenshin Uemura broke down in tears in court.
• Kenshin Uemura sexually assaulted a female translator in Hong Kong.