Diverse Reporting Approaches on Junya Ito’s Referral to Prosecutors Among Various TV Stations

Junya Ito, a former Japan national soccer team player, was criminally accused of committing indecent acts against two women. Osaka Prefectural Police sent Ito to the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office on suspicion of quasi-forced sexual intercourse and injury, and the two women on suspicion of false accusation.

Ito’s scandal involving women was reported by “Shukan Shincho” at the end of January, leading him to withdraw from the Japan national team during the midst of the Asian Cup. Since then, Ito has not been called up to the Japan national team, indicating a high likelihood of being affected.

Last June, the two women accused Ito and others of committing sexual offenses at a hotel in Osaka City after dining together. In January of this year, they filed a complaint with Osaka Prefectural Police, alleging quasi-forced sexual intercourse. In contrast, Ito denied forcibly engaging in any acts and counter-sued the two women for false accusation

“Some may wonder why both the perpetrator and victim are being referred to prosecutors, but it’s simply because each of the two accusations has been separately referred to. Its standard procedure for the police to leave the decision of prosecution up to the district prosecutors.

When you hear a referral to prosecutors, some may misunderstand it as meaning the suspicion has been acknowledged or they are a bad person. That’s not the case. Until they are prosecuted and proven guilty, they are presumed innocent.” (National newspaper social affairs reporter)

 

On July 2nd, the TBS program ‘Gogosuma’ prominently reported Junya Ito’s referral to prosecutors in breaking news, while mentioning the referral of the two women in smaller detail. According to Tokyo Sports, this approach was questioned within TBS.