Japanese star Nijiro Murakami, known for his portrayal of Chishiya in the Netflix hit series Alice in Borderland, is now embroiled in a big drama after being accused of domestic violence in the country.
The actor admitted to police the 29-year-old actor punched his ex-girlfriend in his questioning. Prosecutors have yet to declare whether formal charges will be filed, but the case already has garnered plenty of attention both within Japan and beyond, given Murakami’s popularity.
Why Is Nijiro Murakami Trending?
Murakami’s case is popular because the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Agency (TMPA) referred it to prosecutors after investigating allegations that he assaulted his former girlfriend.
Japanese media state Murakami took part in the questioning, admitting her injuries occurred, and “there is no doubt it hurt her. The system of law in Japan, however, does not equate a referral to prosecutors with a conviction. Prosecutors will now decide if there’s enough evidence for prosecution.
What Are the Allegations?
These alleged attacks reportedly occurred from March to May 2024 in Murakami’s Tokyo apartment in Shibuya Ward.
The victim claimed to be targeted at least four times. The complained-of injuries reported ranged from repeated head and face punching to hair pulling and being slammed against a window. The injuries reported needed over a month of medical care.
The investigation started after a complaint was lodged with police by the ex-girlfriend who also initiated a formal investigation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
What happens after referrals to the prosecutors?
When a case is referred by the police in Japan, this indicates that the investigators have finished their investigation and handed it over to prosecutors for review.
Witnesses, medical records, forensic evidence and confessions to crime will now be examined by prosecutors before they decide whether to file criminal charges against Murakami. While that determination is pending the legal proceedings continue and Murakami has not been convicted of anything in the court of law.
Career Fallout Already Begins
Murakami’s career is already being damaged by the allegations. He was to be a guest of Koseki in the opening episode of the upcoming horror anthology series Strange –Junji Ito’s Strange Stories That Keep You Up at Night on TV Tokyo, which premiered on July 3, 2026.
Then, TV Tokyo sent out a quick message stating that it was in the process of considering what to do with the show. Murakami and/or his management company have not made any public statements about the incident.
From Rising Star to Global Recognition
Murakami’s feature film debut was Still the Water (2014) which helped him gain much recognition in Japanese Cinema.
His international success started with Netflix’s ‘Alice in Borderland‘ and he was lauded by global audiences for his role as the artificially-intelligent and enigmatic Chishiya. He is also a member of one of japanischen well-known families in the entertainment industry, as his father is actor Jun Murakami and his mother is singer-songwriter UA.
Prior to that, Murakami rejected offers from Misaoka and Eiwaku to resume acting in 2023 due to his physical and mental health, and started performing again gradually.
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Why This Case Is Receiving Global Attention
Nijiro’s case has gained international attention due to his worldwide popularity that he gained from the Netflix show and his allegations of serious crimes. The legal action also has many fans closely watching because it would be fallout risks to future projects that involve the actor.
As the investigation continues, entertainment companies tied to upcoming projects may be re-evaluating their casting and release schedules in light of potential future legal action.
FAQs
Have Murakami and her husband been arrested?
According to the public reports, the police investigation led to Nijiro Murakami being forwarded to prosecutors. He does not necessarily have been arrested or convicted.
Why did Nijiro Murakami say sorry?
Japanese media reports say Murakami told investigators that he “could not say that he did not hurt his ex-girlfriend in the events in question.
Is Nijiro Murakami found guilty?
No. Murakami has yet to be found guilty. Prosecutors are taking another look at the case to decide whether any crimes will be charged.
