Thursday, December 19, 2019, 13:00 - 14:00
Noriyuki Yamaguchi, Former Reporter of TBS Television Inc.
Masaaki Kitaguchi, Attorney at Law
(The speech will be in English and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation)
"Journalist Accused of Rape Speaks Out After Court Ruling"
Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a former Washington bureau chief for TBS who has been accused of rape by a Japanese journalist, will come to the club the day after a ruling in civil case against him to discuss the verdict.
Freelance reporter Shiori Ito is seeking 11 million yen ($101,500) in compensation from Yamaguchi, who she alleged raped her at a hotel in 2015 following a dinner in Tokyo. Ito alleges that police officers in the original investigation of her complaint were called off and the case dropped because of political interference. She sought but failed to have the investigation reopened and brought to trial, and has since written a book explaining her experience.
Yamaguchi says that their act was consensual, and has filed a counter-suit seeking 130 million yen in compensation from Ito. He claims his social reputation has been damaged by her remarks. He will be accompanied by his lawyer, Masaaki Kitaguchi.
The case has gathered global attention, with the BBC broadcasting a documentary last year called "Japan's Secret Shame" about Ito's alleged experience and those of other women who say they have been victims of sexual violence.
Doors open for TV crews only at 12:15, all others at 12:30. Please reserve in advance, 03-3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. Livestreaming of press conferences are available on our website (http://www.fccj.or.jp).
*Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. FCCJ members, including TV cameras, will have priority for the reservation and seating/setting positions and one TV camera for affiliate networks. 会場の都合上、参加人数には上限がございます。ご予約と当日のお席/TVカメラのセッティングポジションにつきましてもFCCJの会員が優先されること、 テレビは系列１社１台となりますので、ご了承ください。
Professional Activities Committee