Kyoko Kimura, Mother Of Hana Kimura, To Sue Fuji TV

Kyoko Kimura plans to file a lawsuit against Fuji TV over the death of her daughter. 

During a press conference (via Japan Times) on Thursday, Kyoko said she will file a lawsuit next year against the show’s Japanese broadcaster and a production company seeking compensation for the suicide of her daughter.

Hana, 22, tragically took her own life on May 23, 2020 after being a victim of cyberbullying over an episode of the reality show “Terrace House” where she was portrayed as aggressive during a confrontation with a housemate who ruined her wrestling outfit.

Kyoko wanted Fuji Television Network Inc. and the production company to “sincerely” investigate the reason for her daughter’s suicide, adding that a week or so before her death, Hana had said the producers “don’t treat the cast like human beings.”

She has filed a motion with the Tokyo District Court to preserve evidence including unreleased footage from the show, which was also aired on U.S. streaming service Netflix with English subtitles.

On December 10, the court ordered the production company to present material such as unedited tapes and scripts. According to the lawyer, it is unusual for the court to issue such an order.

Fuji TV plans to contest the order. 

In March, Kyoko launched an anti-cyberbullying nonprofit organization. She appealed to the government to help victims of slander and libel and wants social media etiquette taught at every level of schooling.

You can learn more about the organization by clicking here.