<figure id="attachment_474910" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-474910" style="width: 2279px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="045ef01c"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2026/07/636a41cadda117814a0946a27e7dd6c3.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-474910" class="wp-caption-text">The dispute between Sato and Hashimoto appears to be turning into a quagmire</figcaption></figure>
<h2> Another “Harassment Allegation”</h2>
<p> Actor Jiro Sato (57) is facing a massive backlash over a “harassment scandal.” Far from being resolved, the issue is reportedly spreading to unexpected quarters.</p>
<p> It all began with the April drama series *Detectives with Different Surnames* (Fuji TV), in which Sato and actress Ai Hashimoto (30) co-starred.The two played “detectives who hide their marriage from those around them and work as partners while keeping their separate surnames,” but Hashimoto had previously been a victim of harassment by a co-star and had therefore set restrictions on “physical contact.”</p>
<p> Sato, who was informed of this after the fact, flew into a rage.He stormed into Hashimoto’s dressing room and made remarks such as, “You shouldn’t have accepted a role as a married couple”—that is the gist of the controversy. However, a sports newspaper entertainment reporter notes, “Some fans of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny&#8217;s) are watching this commotion with mixed feelings.”</p>
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<p><span class="strongInContent"> “Kaito Nakamura (29) of ‘Travis Japan’ appeared in *The Detective with Separate Surnames*. He played Kizuna Ikeda, who harbors feelings for Asuka, played by Hashimoto. However, following the massive backlash against Sato, a promotional video featuring Sato and Nakamura—which had been posted by the drama’s official account on X (formerly Twitter)—went viral.Since the clip included a scene where Sato playfully pokes Nakamura’s face and head, fans directed a barrage of criticism at her, asking, ‘Isn’t this harassment?’ and ‘Don’t use Kaito to drag Sato down,’” said a sports newspaper entertainment reporter.</span></p>
<p> In light of this controversy, it’s inevitable that the DVD and Blu-ray release of *The Detective with Separate Surnames* will face difficulties. Fans who had been looking forward to bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage are voicing their frustration, saying things like, “Uminchu (Nakamura’s nickname) is getting caught in the crossfire… even though the drama was so enjoyable.”</p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> “Nakamura himself mentioned the filming of *The Detective with Separate Surnames* on his blog for the members-only site FAMILY CLUB web.In a blog post dated April 7, she began by saying, ‘I’m having fun with every episode,’ and reported that she had watched Sato’s film *Bomb* (to be released in ’25), revealing that she also talks with the cast about their favorite foods during breaks.</span></p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> Her work on TV dramas has increased over the past two years. She seemed to feel a sense of fulfillment with this project, noting that she was “able to act with a good sense of tension.” In a blog post dated June 6, she also wrote, “I’m really enjoying the filming itself. I’ve been given a great opportunity to learn a lot.” (Drama production staff)</span></p>
<p> Not only Sato and Hashimoto, but Fuji TV, as well as their co-stars and fans, have suffered immense damage from this scandal.</p>
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 Afro (Sato), Kumatarō Arai (Hashimoto)

 The harassment allegations between Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto remain unresolved. The controversy has now spread to an unexpected place.

&#8220;Travis Japan&#8221;: Jiro Sato &#038; Ai Hashimoto&#8217;s Dispute Over Kaito Nakamura Getting a Light Tap on the Head—&#8221;An Unexpected Ripple Effect&#8221;

“Travis Japan”: Jiro Sato & Ai Hashimoto’s Dispute Over Kaito Nakamura Getting a Light Tap on the Head—”An Unexpected Ripple Effect”

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