Man Charged And Fined For Cyberbullying Following Death Of Netflix Star Hana Kimura

A man in Japan has been charged and fined for reportedly cyberbullying the late Hana Kimura.

Pro-wrestler Kimura, who appeared in Netflix's Terrace House: Tokyo, died in May last year - she was just 22.

According to local media reports at the time, Kimura's death came after online bullying after she appeared on the show.

Fuji Television Network/Netflix

Her death sparked a national conversation about online trolling and cyberbullying, with the country's former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama tweeting to say Japan should consider imposing penalties for people found harassing others online.

Now, a spokesperson for the Tokyo Prosecutors' Office has told AFP the office has made 'a summary indictment against in his 20s' following Kimura's death.

While hinting at a change in laws surrounding cyberbullying, Communication Minister Sanae Takaichi said: "It's necessary to properly implement procedures to disclose information on senders in order to curb online abuses and rescue victims."

Fuji Television Network/Netflix

Police referred the man, who has not been named, to prosecutors back in December.

According to Metro, police said: "The suspect... posted messages on a social media account of the victim, including, 'You have such an awful personality. Is your life worth living?' and 'Hey, hey. When will you die?'"

The man isn't obligated to face trial, but has been charged and issued with a fine of 9,000 yen (£59).

Vice reported that Kimura posted a number of alarming tweets in the day prior to her death, including some in which she mentioned being cyberbullied.

One read: "Nearly 100 frank opinions every day. I couldn't deny that I was hurt. I'm dead. Thank you for giving me a mother. It was a life I wanted to be loved.

"Thank you to everyone who supported me. I love it. I'm weak, I'm sorry. I don't want to be a human anymore. It was a life I wanted to be loved. Thank you, everyone. I love you. Bye."

Following her death, Japanese broadcaster Fuji Television Network said it was cancelling Terrace House: Tokyo.

In a statement, the network said: "We would like to express our regrets for the death of Hana Kimura and offer our sincere condolences to her family. Taking her passing with utmost sincerity, we will take active steps to formulate a response."

Topics: World News, Celebrity, Netflix

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19