crime

Lead singer of pop group AAA arrested over assault

20 Comments

Police in Tokyo said Sunday they have arrested Naoya Urata, lead singer of the six-member pop group AAA, on suspicion of assault.

Urata, 36, is accused of assaulting the 20-year-old woman by slapping her face outside a convenience store in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward at around 5 a.m. on Friday, Fuji TV reported.

Urata has denied the charge, saying he was drunk at the time and doesn’t remember anything, police said.

According to police, Urata asked the woman, whom he did not know, if she would like to go for a drink with him. He told her: “I am AAA,” police said. When the woman declined his offer, Urata allegedly slapped her face with his open hand and left.

After the incident, the woman notified police who identified Urata from surveillance camera footage and eyewitness accounts.

Urata, who was released on bail Sunday, appeared at a news conference in the afternoon. Wearing a black suit, he bowed deeply and said he was sorry for any trouble he had caused. He said that before the incident, he had been drinking wine and whisky with friends until about 4 a.m. He said he could not remember the incident.

AAA, which was formed in 2005, is managed by major entertainment company Avex Trax. Urata made his debut in 2009.

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20 Comments
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Oops, hic

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Antisocial Alcoiolic Ass

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sigh I guess AAA will now stand for Assault All Around.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

DaDude, yes, he said his name and how he was a member of the famous AAA and would she like to go for a drink with him. She said Shiranai or ‘no’. He then slapped her with his open hand. She ran away but he chased after her and kicked her. She phoned the cops to report assault by a stranger.

The whole thing was caught on CCTV, which is partly how they confirmed his identity.

He completely changed his appearance for his ‘sincere’ press conference, even dyeing his hair black.

Shallow is as shallow does.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Would a single slap draw a jail sentence in most countries? Would society be better served by having the taxpayer shell out to hold the guy in prison for month or years or by having the guy himself shell out and make a solatium payment to the woman?

As a Japanese taxpayer, I'd rather see him shelling out than me.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“I am AAA,” 

Great, you're a road assistance company?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The news I watched this morning said something different. He approached the woman and said that he was a member of AAA. When she said she didn't know who he was, he slapped her. Can someone confirm this news?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Searches image of what singer looks like

Yep, he's that type.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The girl could walk away with nice pile of cash.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

There is a big difference regarding assault in japan. If you hit with a closed fist, you are in hot water. If you hit with an open hand it will depend on what side of the bed the judge got out of.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Ahh Japan's legal system, rended useless by several beverages at a convenience store, was going to say it's a slap in the face to justice but I'm drunk and can't remember.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

As usual, it's the "I don't remember anything" defense, but somehow he remembers how long he was drinking, and approximately how many drinks he had. Please.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I can understand a young man getting drunk and slapping a woman, but I think the more heinous crime was his effort to squeeze out crocodile tears while bowing and apologizing

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

So there will be no suspended sentence since this won't go to trial and the story will be dropped.

Either way, very little justice will be served.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

No big news, just a slap. Instead of bowing to others, he should bow to the lady he assaulted.

If he cannot behave while drunk, he should never drink again (imzgine him driving for instance...)

6 ( +7 / -1 )

So there will be no suspended sentence since this won't go to trial and the story will be dropped.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

The ubiquitous I was drunk and don't remember defense. But the charges will be dropped after he makes a substantial payment.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

Urata, who was released on bail Sunday, appeared at a news conference in the afternoon. Wearing a black suit, he bowed deeply and said he was sorry for any trouble he had caused. He said that before the incident, he had been drinking wine and whisky with friends until about 4 a.m. He said he could not remember the incident.

Well, sincevypu were drunk, bowed deeply (a normal bow would be insufficient), and are famous; you get a suspended sentence.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

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