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The Mainichi
29-06-2025
- The Mainichi
Despite losing sexual abuse lawsuit against dad, Hiroshima woman didn't lose hope
HIROSHIMA -- The sexual abuse started when she was a toddler. The abuser was her own father. "I'm a filthy human being." These were the words Kumi -- not her real name -- kept torturing herself with, as she was tormented by flashbacks of the traumatic assaults in adulthood. Over 30 years after the onset of the abuse, the woman, aged in her 40s and living in Hiroshima, resolved to bring a civil action against her father. Though the lawsuit was recently finalized with her defeat, Kumi says, "The nearly five-year battle wasn't in vain." Stressing the importance of seeking counseling and other forms of help, her message to other abuse survivors is this: "Please don't lose hope." *** 'I'm covered in filth': Path to self-destruction It was in her preschool years that Kumi began to be molested by her father. He had her sit on his lap, and fondled her while showing obscene videos. Her father's acts escalated, and during fourth grade, she was forced into intercourse with him. Until she was in the second year of junior high school, she was unable to refuse sexual acts. After graduating high school, Kumi lived apart from her father. She stayed at relatives' homes, eventually saved up money and started living on her own. Kumi suffered from the sensation that her body was "covered in filth." She soon developed antagonism against men in general, as well as distrust toward people, and found herself screaming from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) flashbacks while driving the car. "I harbored resentment and hatred toward everyone and anything." Unable to control her anger, she clashed with others, and lost friends, she says. Attempting to erase her memory, she consumed alcohol excessively, and this interfered with her daily social life. Realizing victimhood through counseling Kumi felt she had reached her breaking point. On a night in May 2018, she phoned a counselling organization in Hiroshima Prefecture for the first time. Reflecting on the phone call, Kumi says, "I didn't pluck up my courage to do this. I wasn't brave at all, just very much in pain and desperate to cling onto something." A meeting was arranged for a later date, and she was asked to explain what happened. Wearing a large mask that hid her face, Kumi said, "I committed incest." A while later, she was taken aback by the counselor's response: "No, that is sexual assault." Until then, Kumi was convinced that she was also "in the wrong" regarding the sexual abuse. However, the counselor said clearly, "Your father is the perpetrator, and you are the victim," and hearing these words made Kumi feel a bit better. At this point, over 30 years had passed since the onset of the sexual abuse. While she was barred by the statute of limitations from filing a criminal lawsuit, she still had a chance to take civil action. Around this time, her father had mentioned that he wanted to live with her and other family members. Kumi feared that this would lead to the abuse happening again, and more relatives falling victim to her father's abuse. After two years of thinking it through, she became resolved, thinking, "If nobody speaks up, the perpetrators will get away with abusing victims, and sex crimes will never go away." In August 2020, she filed a civil suit against her father, seeking compensation for the PTSD allegedly caused by the sexual abuse in childhood. Out of time: Limitation law in abuse cases The civil statute of limitations stood in the way of the woman's lawsuit. The October 2022 Hiroshima District Court ruling dismissed her claim on the grounds that the 20-year statute of limitations had run out in the case that the limitation period began when her mental suffering started. While the November 2023 Hiroshima High Court ruling condemned the father, calling the case "highly immoral and contemptible to the extreme," and stated, "The suffering experienced by the woman is beyond imagination. The father's responsibility is extremely heavy," it upheld the district court ruling. Kumi's appeal was dismissed in April 2025, and her defeat was finalized. Azusa Saito, associate professor of clinical psychology at Sophia University, points out that "young children are not capable of knowing the meaning of sexual acts." She continued, "It's especially difficult for them to suspect that something is wrong if the abuser is a parent, who has the legal right and responsibility to take care of the child." There has been criticism toward court rulings that brought up the statute of limitations in sexual abuse suits, where in many cases the victim becomes aware of the abuse after many years. This reporter sat down with Kumi, to see how she was doing, and hear her response to the court decision. Fruits of the 5-year court battle Kumi told the reporter she felt "written off" by the court ruling. She has not contacted her father or other relatives since the lawsuit began. Throughout the suit, her father acknowledged he committed sexual acts on her, but disputed the time frame and frequency of the acts. While he claimed that his daughter has a disorder that "amplifies memory," this was dismissed by the court. Reflecting on her father's attitude, Kumi said, "He kept making accusations, and didn't appear to be remorseful for what he did." "My fear toward men will stay with me for a lifetime. I've had longings to build a new family, but it's impossible for me," she murmured. Even so, Kumi showed a forward-looking attitude, saying, "the battle was not in vain." Though she had lost the lawsuit, she was able to view her sexual abuse experience objectively through preparations. After initiating the suit, she was diagnosed with PTSD, and understood that her excessive drinking habits in the past were symptoms stemming from the abuse. What gave her moral support was her encounter with the counselors, lawyers, and doctors who fought for her case. Before opening up about her case, Kumi had felt, "As long as I endure this, it won't be a big deal." "I was barely surviving, and it took me a long time to be able to raise my voice," she said. While stressing that she does not want to impose on others, as each person's case is different, Kumi encourages other sexual abuse survivors to speak with counselors and other experts. "If you vent and let out your anguish, there will be someone who will listen and help process your feelings. I myself am gradually regaining my trust toward others," she said. Kumi told the reporter that she wants to actively participate in self-help groups for sexual abuse survivors. "Please don't make a sad decision by worrying and struggling alone. There will always be someone on your side. I ask you, please seek help." This is the message she wants to share with other survivors. (By Chinami Takeichi, Hiroshima Bureau)
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yes, they're really called 'Baby DONT Cry' — Meet K-pop's newest girl group
Yes, it's not a song title - it's the name of the newest girl group in the K-pop scene. Baby DONT Cry, also known as BDC, is a 4-member South Korean pre-debut girl group under P NATION, the agency founded by Gangnam Style superstar PSY. Produced by none other than I-DLE's powerhouse Jeon Soyeon, the group got everyone curios with the cryptic name P Girls when they were teased on April 11, 2025. However, not soon after, they reemerged with a bold identity: Baby DONT Cry. The members Yihyun, Kumi, Mia, and Beni released a pre-debut track - 지금을 놓치면 분명 너 후회할 거야 (Bet You'll Regret It) - on June 16. They will officially make their debut on June 23, 2025, with the single, F Girl. Before their debut, let's get to know the girls a little more. '지금을 놓치면 분명 너 후회할 거야 (Bet You'll Regret It)' Dance Practice (Fix ver.)🔗 Single [F Girl]2025. 6. 23. 6PM 💿 Pre-save : #BDC#FGirl #지분후#250623_6pmKST#PNATION #피네이션 Yihyun Birth Name: Jo Yi Hyun Birthday: April 11, 2006 Debut Single [F Girl] : Yihyun 2025. 6. 23. 6PM 💿 Pre-save : #BDC#이현 #Yihyun#FGirl#250623_6pmKST#PNATION #피네이션 Born in Bundang, Seongnam, she was the first BDC member revealed on June 10, 2025, instantly drawing attention. A former child artist under J&K Entertainment, she appeared on Fantastic Duo and Doppelgängers: You Who Resembles a Star, earning the nickname "Little IU." She also competed on WE KID and gained a following before joining P NATION. A proud BTS fan, she's now ready to shine on her own stage. Kumi Birth Name: Takei Miku Birthday: August 30, 2007 Debut Single [F Girl] : Kumi 2025. 6. 23. 6PM 💿 Pre-save : #BDC#쿠미 #Kumi#FGirl#250623_6pmKST#PNATION #피네이션 She was revealed as the second member on June 11, 2025 and quickly stood out with her quirky "4D" charm. She trained at NEXTinDANCE Academy and knows how to come alive on stage. She finds true joy in singing, dancing, and sharing sweet moments with her members. Now, she is gearing up for the spotlight. Mia Birth Name: - Birthday: September 3, 2007 Debut Single [F Girl] : Mia 2025. 6. 23. 6PM 💿 Pre-save : #BDC#미아 #Mia#FGirl#250623_6pmKST#PNATION #피네이션 She was introduced as the third member on June 12, 2025. This Japanese trainee also trained at the NEXTinDANCE Academy, although little is known about her. She has piqued fans' interest, and her unassuming presence undoubtedly indicates latent potential in the K-pop arena. Beni Birth Name: Kang Han Bit Birthday: December 23, 2008 Debut Single [F Girl] : Beni 2025. 6. 23. 6PM 💿 Pre-save : #BDC#베니 #Beni#FGirl#250623_6pmKST#PNATION #피네이션 She was unveiled as the fourth and final member on June 13, 2025. She is a true veteran among rookies, having passed the last round of P NATION's audition in February 2019 and spent about 6 to 7 years perfecting her craft. Her extensive training, which began at Ib Music Academy in Iksan, is finally beginning to bear fruit. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Yomiuri Shimbun
21-04-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Geigi Tradition Regains Glamor in Shizuoka Pref. Spa Town; Support Organization Helps Performers Recover from Pandemic Crisis
The Yomiuri Shimbun Geigi women dance at an ozashiki party. The Yomiuri Shimbun Kumi, right, stands with another geigi in front of Izunagaoka Kenban. IZUNOKUNI, Shizuoka — As I walked down a narrow path on the edge of an onsen spa town in Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture, the sound of a shamisen floated from an old two-story house. I could faintly hear Nagauta traditional chanting, too. I opened the house's aged glass door and was greeted by a beaming woman in a kimono. 'Irasshai,' (Welcome) she said. Her name was Kumi, and she was a geigi, another word for a geisha. The Izunagaoka onsen hot spring resort area comprises two hot springs: Kona onsen, which is believed to have been used from about 1,300 years ago, and the adjacent Nagaoka onsen, which came into use toward the end of the Meiji era (1867-1912). According to the Izunokuni municipal government's tourism and culture department, the city is home to 39 hotels and ryokan inns, which received about 600,000 guests in fiscal 2023. Banquets and events in the spa town are livened up by geigi women, who all belong to Izunagaoka Kenban, a cooperative organization of geisha workers. It arranges the women's party appearance schedules and provides them with a place to practice their art. It also once operated the only geigi school in Japan outside of Kyoto. The school's nameboard still hangs in the cooperative's entryway. The Yomiuri Shimbun Wooden nameplates show the names of past and present geigi women and the ryokan inns where they have performed. According to Kumi, who is also an executive of the cooperative, there were more than 400 geigi women active in the 1960s and 1970s. With changing times, such as the bursting of the bubble economy, they have retired one after another. But their name plates still remain in the rehearsal room at the cooperative, a reminder of the bustling good old days. As the geigi grew older, their number dwindled, and they had fallen to just 10 in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced the number of party opportunities, creating what Kumi described as an 'existential threat.' But then, the flame of spa resort culture was rekindled by Ayame Ikueikai, a geigi support group founded in 2018. Local companies and individuals can become members of the group by paying annual dues of ¥50,000 per corporate member and ¥10,000 per individual member. The Yomiuri Shimbun These uchiwa fans are used to show support for geigi at ozashiki parties. Kumi is grateful to the group. 'If it weren't for those membership fees, we wouldn't have been able to cover the costs to keep the cooperative running,' she said. Thanks to the support from 'danna-shu' (patrons), they managed to overcome the crisis without losing a single woman. In November last year, they resumed the stage performance 'Izu Ayame-za,' which showcases their honed performing skills, for the first time in five years. 'Things are finally coming back to the pre-pandemic normal. This is going to be a make-or-break time for us,' Kumi said, with a smile of powerful determination. Izunagaoka Kenban The Yomiuri Shimbun Address: 1037 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture Access: Take the Izuhakone Railway to Izunagaoka Station. From there, ride a bus to the Onsen-Eki bus stop, then get off and walk for about seven minutes. Note: Visitors can try on the type of kimono that geigi wear for ¥27,500.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Doc the giraffe, a Brevard Zoo favorite, has died
The Brevard Zoo is mourning the death of its oldest male giraffe. Doc, who was 22 years old, died after being treated for ongoing mobility issues, zoo officials said. He was a Rothschild giraffe, unique among several Masai giraffes featured at the zoo's exhibit. Doc was born at Zoo Knoxville in 2002 and joined Brevard Zoo is 2003 when its 'Expedition Africa' opened. He was also known for his gentle nature and close bond with his companion, Kumi. The zoo said Doc was a favorite among both staff and guests, who often spotted him greeting visitors. 'You could always count on him to be at the platform eating lettuce from guests and when he wasn't there, he was usually spending time with his 'girlfriend' Kumi,' keeper Morgan Thums said. The average lifespan for a male giraffe is 16.5 years, according to Association of Zoos and Aquariums. So most would agree that Doc lived a fairly long life. That, of course, won't make the gentle giant's passing any easier for those who loved him. 'Doc is one of the sweetest giraffes I have ever cared for, and I am going to miss him greatly,' Thurms said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
