It sparked major anger among netizens.
Koreaboo
29 minutes ago
Earlier in the year, Fuji TV announced the release of the drama Surname Confidential, starring top stars Sato Jiroh and Hashimoto Ai.
However, the 57-year-old actor has been embroiled in controversy after being accused of seriously harassing 30-year-old Hashimoto in an expose by Shukan Bunshun. The outlet used the term “爆弾ハラスメント,” which includes emotional and physical harassment towards another person.
橋本愛（30）が号泣した佐藤二朗（57）の“爆弾ハラスメント”「彼女の楽屋に乗り込み…」「発端はボディタッチ」https://t.co/7YIEF0gFxg#週刊文春
— 週刊文春 (@shukan_bunshun) July 1, 2026
In the article, it is explained that Sato made physical contact with the actress without her consent on multiple occasions, including touching her cheeks. It started in April while filming a drama for Fuji TV, Surname Confidential. It was dubbed “serious harassment” by lawyers. The article added that even after being warned by the producer, the actor continued to make inappropriate actions towards Hashimoto.
It sparked anger among netizens.
we should seriously start boycotting any similar upcoming drama so they don’t dare to pair stinky old men with young actresses again https://t.co/01fPUHRYOP
— fakedreams (@neet21_) July 1, 2026
This is sick! He even has been warned by the producer but still doing it?!? You are funny, Jiro-san, but harrasing someone even till she burst to tears is not funny! 😤 https://t.co/6sGI9h7kkV
— Feb… TOSARA on Netflix! (@arfebibots) July 1, 2026
Damn , Japanese male celebrities never batting the allegations
i feel sorry for Ai Hashimoto; she must have felt terrified and scared
Fuck those male celebrities https://t.co/qSk0LWHd0Y
— 🐘✈ᵂᴵᴺᴺᴱᴿ🗝 (@xsjwn) July 1, 2026
what the actual fuck https://t.co/qapU9VdjuA
— ᴅᴀʏ (@kentosday) July 1, 2026
Yet, a follow-up article from the outlet quotes the actor’s agency, which says it wasn’t harassment.
佐藤二朗（57）が橋本愛（30）に“問題行為”を起こしていた フジテレビ調査では「深刻なハラスメント」認定《『夫婦別姓刑事』で共演》
記事はこちら↓https://t.co/U45HfYmkJh#週刊文春
— 週刊文春 (@shukan_bunshun) July 1, 2026