Ai Hashimoto Delights Fans With Amachan Reunion With Non—But Sato Jiro Controversy Leaves a Serious Mark

Shiosai no Memories reunites

The return of the “Ama-chan duo” has become a hot topic.

Actress Ai Hashimoto, 30, has been announced as a guest performer at actress Non’s 20th-anniversary debut concert tour, which will be held in Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, on October 18.

The pairing of Non, formerly known by her stage name Rena Nōnen, and Hashimoto is well known from the 2013 NHK morning drama “Amachan.” In the series, the two formed the idol duo “Shiosai no Memories,” which became a sensation and even appeared on NHK’s “Kōhaku Uta Gassen” at the end of the year.

The two actresses will perform together for the first time in around 13 years. Hashimoto commented:

“Rena-chan has always been, and will always be, a very special person to me.”

She added:

“I’m sure this will become an unforgettable, special moment. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.”

Hashimoto’s name is still fresh in the news following the harassment controversy involving actor Jiro Sato, 57, which was reported by “Shūkan Bunshun” in July. During the Fuji TV drama “Fūfu Bessei Keiji,” which aired in the April–June season and in which the two co-starred, Sato touched Hashimoto’s chin during an improvised scene. When Hashimoto expressed her discomfort and asked that greater care be taken regarding physical contact, Sato reportedly entered her dressing room and said things that dismissed her career, including:

“You shouldn’t continue being an actor.”

Sato’s conduct was subsequently determined to constitute harassment by an outside attorney hired by Fuji TV.

More than two and a half months have passed since the incident.

The controversy has largely died down, but both Sato and Hashimoto have reportedly suffered consequences. A television industry source told this publication:

“Sato is an actor with many fans within the industry, but the number of times his name comes up in casting meetings for dramas and films has clearly decreased. Hashimoto, meanwhile, has also acquired an image of being a difficult actress as a result of the coverage surrounding the incident. That has also affected her work.”

At casting meetings

Apart from Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, Hashimoto’s Instagram account has not been updated for more than two and a half months. Her comments section also remains closed.

Fans are looking forward to seeing her perform with Non, but no other upcoming projects have been announced. An entertainment industry source who knows Hashimoto said:

“Even though she was supposed to be the victim of harassment, her past comments were used to portray her one-sidedly as a feminist, and she was bombarded with abusive comments. Apparently, she was so shocked that she was unable to get back on her feet for some time.”

It was not just the verbal abuse on social media. Within the entertainment industry, unverified information also spread regarding the aftermath of the controversy. One rumor claimed that Hashimoto’s side was demanding a large compensation payment from Fuji TV for failing to prevent the harassment.

Fuji TV denied those rumors when contacted by this publication. Hashimoto’s agency also reportedly gave a categorical denial when some media outlets sought to verify the claims, stating:

“There is no such fact.”

One of the frightening aspects of the entertainment industry is how dubious information can spread as though it were established fact. Despite the incident being an unexpected problem that occurred on the set of a television drama, even conspiracy theories began circulating, such as:

“Was Sato actually set up?”

“What has become clear from this incident is that when you mention ‘Ai Hashimoto’ in the television industry, you get an ‘Ahh’ reaction. There are definitely aspects of the harassment controversy being linked to her in ways that have nothing to do with the actual issue. I think she is the one losing out as a result.” (Sports newspaper entertainment reporter)

Hashimoto’s future career remains uncertain. Based on past interviews, she has expressed an interest in behind-the-scenes work such as directing films, while also indicating that she has her sights set on working overseas as an actress. An executive at an entertainment agency offered this assessment:

“Considering her personality and current circumstances, I think looking overseas could be an option for her. Although Japan’s entertainment industry has changed in recent years, there is still an old-fashioned culture that remains. Her ability to immerse herself in a role and her understanding of a work are extraordinary. I think she is the type who could succeed overseas.”

After enjoying her long-awaited reunion with Non, what will Hashimoto do next?