Instant Rebuttals: What Saori Seto Could Learn from Nozomi Sasaki’s Approach

Shinji Saito of the comedy trio “Jungle Pocket” was sent to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on October 7 on suspicion of non-consensual sexual conduct involving a woman in her 20s.

Last month, Saito stepped down from his regular roles on ZIP! (Nippon TV) and Winning Keiba (TV Tokyo). He had been absent from both shows since August, and his social media activity also ceased.

“On September 19, his agency, Yoshimoto Kogyo, announced that Saito himself had requested a hiatus from his activities. Despite being involved in two infidelity scandals last year, the only show he left was the TBS Radio program Chiho Sosei Program ONE-J, where he was a personality. People in the industry were wondering if his health had significantly declined or if there was another reason behind his absence. Notably, Yoshimoto initially informed relevant parties that Saito would be taking a break due to a significant compliance violation. Later, they retract that statement, citing health issues instead,” a sports newspaper reporter commented.

The maliciousness of the act on the location bus

Looking back, it all makes sense now, but the most shocking aspect was that Saito committed the assault in a location bus.

Since this incident happened during an on-location shoot, essentially while working, many people are likely to be more exasperated than shocked. Staff members were probably working nearby, and one might wonder what the bus driver was doing during that time. Many are questioning if such a thing was even possible, leaving mysteries behind. In terms of sexual misconduct, the incident leaves an impression of cruelty even stronger than that associated with Anjashu’s Ken Watanabe, who was involved in a similar scandal in a multipurpose restroom.

When such a scandal arises, there are always voices expressing concern for the family. If the spouse or family members are public figures, this concern grows louder, and various opinions about them flood the internet.

When it comes to celebrity wives who gained attention due to their partner’s disgraceful scandal, Watanabe’s wife, Nozomi Sasaki, comes to mind.

 

 

When Watanabe’s disgraceful behavior was exposed, Sasaki received an outpouring of sympathy. At the same time, however:

“Although it’s really none of anyone’s business as it’s a marital issue, there were many voices within the industry suggesting that she should divorce him. This was due to concerns that her work might be affected. Additionally, the general public’s opinion was along the lines of, ‘Staying married to such a man implies forgiveness, which raises questions about her judgment. It damages her image.’ From the perspective of ordinary values, this was understandable,” commented a talk show staff member.

However, rather than impacting Sasaki’s career, the unexpected happened—she began receiving more support.

There was also interest in what Sasaki would say following the news, but right after the report, she firmly stated, “I won’t divorce him,” and on her Instagram account, she apologized for her husband’s misconduct, saying:

“I am truly sorry for the discomfort caused to many people by my husband’s thoughtless actions.”

 

The victim responded to his wife’s social networking post

In a fashion magazine interview, Sasaki commented,

“My love runs pretty deep and isn’t likely to disappear so easily.”

Conveying the strength of her feelings for Watanabe.

“At that level, those around her start to think, ‘If she loves him that much, so be it.’ It’s understandable why people want to support her as she battles to reform Watanabe through the power of love while raising a young child on her own,” said the talk show staff member.

In contrast, Saito’s wife, talent Saori Seto, updated her Instagram on the day her husband’s filing with the police was reported, stating,

“Some of the reports differ from the facts.”

She continued,

“As for the facts, the other party also engaged, followed him on social media, and exchanged contact information.”

Rather than apologizing for her husband’s misconduct, she denied the non-consensual aspect.

In response, on October 9, the female victim issued a rebuttal through her attorney, stating,

“A misleading comment was made, as if I was at fault.” 

This triggered backlash, with criticism flooding Seto’s social media for suggesting some level of consent due to the exchange of contact information.

While Seto’s desire to defend her husband is understandable, she would have been wiser to follow Sasaki’s example. In the entertainment world, silence is golden at times—it’s often best to stay quiet and wait for the storm to pass.