Hitoshi Matsumoto’s Challenge in Returning to Television Despite Bunshun Reconciliation

Amidst growing interest in the outcome of the trial between Hitoshi Matsumoto and “Weekly Bunshun,” a somewhat surprising piece of news has emerged. Some media outlets reported that there might be a sudden reconciliation.

To recap briefly, Matsumoto was reported by “Weekly Bunshun” at the end of 2023 for allegedly forcing multiple women into sexual acts. Matsumoto fully denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against the publisher, “Bungei Shunju,” and the magazine’s editor-in-chief, seeking 550 million yen in damages for defamation.

To focus on the trial, Matsumoto announced he would take a break from his entertainment activities. In March of this year, the first oral hearing was held at the Tokyo District Court, but Matsumoto himself did not appear.

 

Matsumoto’s side showed impatience.

The second hearing was scheduled to take place in August but was postponed, leading to speculation.

During this time, there were also unsettling developments. “Weekly Bunshun” (July 18 issue) reported that Matsumoto’s representative, attorney Masahiro Tashiro, had commissioned a detective agency to investigate the background of the women who had come forward with complaints.

Additionally, according to the article, Attorney Tashiro himself contacted people close to the women and asked them to persuade the women not to appear in court.

“If things continue like this, the odds are not in their favor. If the reports are true, they may not win, but they want to use various tactics to somehow reach a settlement that puts them in a better position. It seems there’s a sense of urgency coming from Matsumoto’s side,” said a women’s magazine reporter.

Amidst this, attorney Atsushi Hosono, who appears as a commentator on information programs, updated his YouTube channel on August 28, stating:

“I think we’re at a point where we’re wondering whether a reconciliation can be reached in August. I don’t think discussions about a settlement or agreement progressing behind the scenes can drag on for too long.”

He expressed the view that both parties are moving toward reconciliation and that the likelihood of a settlement being reached is high.

He said that both sides are working toward a settlement, and that there is a high possibility that a settlement will be reached.

In response to Attorney Hosono’s views, comments on social media include: