TOKYO - A man accused of stalking and assaulting actress Haruna Kojima testified in court that he believed he might have a chance with her if he confessed his feelings directly.
Zhao Lei, a 42-year-old Chinese exchange student, is on trial for ambushing Kojima in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward in October 2024. He allegedly grabbed her by the arm, causing her to fall, and is facing charges of assault.
In a court hearing on May 19th, Zhao said, "I loved her and wanted to see her every day. When I saw her, I got excited and grabbed her arm, thinking I would confess my feelings."
Regarding a previous warning to stay away from Kojima, Zhao added, "I thought it was a misunderstanding. I believed that if I told her directly that I liked her, she might give me a chance." His remarks revealed the self-centered motive behind the incident.
Haruna Kojima is a well-known figure in Japanese entertainment, recognized both for her years as a central member of the idol group AKB48 and for her subsequent career as a model, actress, and entrepreneur. Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1988, Kojima rose to national prominence in the mid-2000s when she joined AKB48 during its early years. Her signature calm demeanor and elegant beauty quickly made her a fan favorite, and she became a central figure in the group's performances, variety shows, and music videos. Kojima played a pivotal role in shaping the group's image during its rapid ascent to mainstream success, often standing out for her poise and fashion-forward appearance in contrast to the more energetic or quirky personas of other members.
Following her graduation from AKB48 in 2017, Kojima successfully transitioned into a solo career that combined fashion, media appearances, and business ventures. She became a regular presence in major fashion magazines such as MAQUIA, Sweet, and VoCE, and gained a strong following among women for her sophisticated style. Recognizing her influence, Kojima launched her own fashion brand, Her lip to, which has attracted attention not only for its feminine designs but also for Kojima's direct involvement in design and marketing. She has used her platform to connect more personally with her audience through social media and online content, showcasing a more mature and independent identity than the one cultivated during her idol years.
Kojima's post-idol career has been marked by a consistent effort to redefine herself outside the boundaries of idol culture, embracing a modern woman’s image that blends beauty, independence, and entrepreneurship. Her continued popularity reflects the rare ability to evolve with her audience and maintain relevance in Japan’s ever-changing entertainment landscape. At the same time, her fame has also made her a target of unwanted attention, such as the stalking incident in 2024 that brought her back into the headlines under troubling circumstances. While deeply unsettling, the incident served as a reminder of the lingering challenges celebrities face in maintaining personal safety and privacy in an era where fan boundaries are not always respected. Nonetheless, Kojima remains an admired figure, emblematic of the new generation of Japanese women balancing fame with self-driven ambition.
Source: FNN
