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Economist Takaaki Mitsuhashi released following arrest for assaulting teenage wife

Jan 10 (Japan Today) - Japanese economist and TV commentator Takaaki Mitsuhashi, 48, has been released from custody following his arrest last week for allegedly physically assaulting his teenage wife.

The alleged incident occurred while Mitsuhashi and his wife were in a heated dispute on Jan 5. Japanese media reported that Mitsuhashi slapped his wife and bit her on the arm. After his wife called police, he was arrested and sent to prosecutors on Jan 7, but ordered released by the court on Monday, Fuji TV reported.

Mitsuhashi, whose real name is Takashi Nakamura, is the author of “Rich Samsung: Poor Korea.” He also once unsuccessfully ran as an LDP candidate in the 2010 upper house election and has spoken out against Japan taking more immigrants.

Since his release, Mitsuhashi has refused to comment to the media. Police said their investigation is ongoing.

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