Film production company HumanPictures filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court against actor Izumi Pinko following an October 23 press conference and screening. The company cited alleged power harassment and insults directed at ticket-holding audience members during the event.
HumanPictures Files Lawsuit in Tokyo District Court Over Premiere Incident
In a formal announcement released on November 3, 2026, the film’s production studio detailed the grievances that prompted the court filing, which was officially lodged on November 2. The company, led by representative Kazuhiro Teranishi—who also serves as writer and director of the films—asserted that the actor’s behavior crossed the threshold of professional misconduct and could not be overlooked.
The studio stated that the actions observed at the venue constituted severe behavior that could be considered power harassment, giving strong psychological pressure that amounted to intimidation. Representatives noted that multiple attendees and media members submitted written statements and complaints detailing the events, prompting the studio to consult with legal experts before taking legal action.
Alleged Backstage Resistance and Public Disparagement
Behind the scenes and on stage, the friction extended beyond the remarks aimed at the audience. The studio reported that the actor resisted participating in the stage greeting, making declarations about seniority such as stating she was a great veteran, threatening to leave, refusing to appear, and declining to line up alongside others, which ultimately culminated in another participant kneeling on stage.
- Statements regarding seniority and refusal to line up alongside other participants
- Insulting remarks directed at attendees from the stage
- A situation where another participant ultimately knelt on stage
- Comments regarding the film’s plot and promotional duties
According to production accounts, the actor remarked regarding her special appearance in Ayumi that she did not understand the story and questioned what role she played. She also commented on news regarding a baseball manager appointment by telling reporters that the day’s headlines belonged elsewhere, while reportedly advising a young child actor to quit. The films also feature actor and singer-songwriter Yuma Teranishi, with Yofu having previously received a best supporting actress award at an international film festival in Hollywood.
Management Communications and Unresolved Apologies
The studio reached out to the actor’s management immediately following the premiere. Kazuhiro Teranishi contacted the business representative via a messaging app to state clearly that the behavior amounted to power harassment, and the manager responded the following day with an apology acknowledging the rudeness and promising to explain the situation honestly to the company president.
In response, the manager sent an apology message acknowledging the behavior, according to reports from the event organizer.