Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapter 1145 Chapter 1154, My media brothers! We won!!!

Finally, the day of December 12th arrived.

The entrance of Chiyoda Kasumigaseki Court was unexpectedly bustling with activity. A large group of reporters had been gathering nearby since the morning, and there were also fans who came to join in the fun and passers-by who didn't know the truth. The crowd was almost jammed.

The court bailiffs had to come out to maintain order and prevent a possible stampede caused by the gathering of the crowd.

Today is the public trial of Naoki Nagayama's defamation case, or the "illegitimate child incident." As his friends have stated, Naoki Nagayama will hold a press conference at the door no matter what the outcome, so reporters from major media outlets have all come.

Even the other party, the Tokyo Sports News, had reporters stationed at the door. A few days ago, even their own newspaper reported the progress of the illegitimate child incident, and by the way, they also launched a voting campaign on the trial results!
This kind of "entertainment to death" attitude, which leads by example, makes the public feel a little bit of admiration~
"It's a bit like a big event, like walking on the red carpet."

A reporter felt a little emotional when watching this scene, then raised his camera to take a picture of this scene!

“When does it start?”

The reporter holding up the camera for live broadcast asked,
"Whatever, start the filming, let's shoot the early stages first!"

Even the cold wind could not stop the enthusiasm of these media workers, and the atmosphere on the scene became more and more lively~
At this moment, a Toyota Century slowly drove towards the main gate of the court, and then Naoki Nagayama and Akina, wearing a windbreaker, walked out of the car together.
"Naoki Nagayama is here!!!" the sharp-eyed reporter shouted excitedly.

"There's Akina Nakamori next to us!!!"

Other reporters started pressing their shutter buttons frantically!
Didn't they say Akina Nakamori would be there?!
But they are husband and wife after all, so it seems natural for the husband to attend the trial with his wife.
But for the reporters on the scene, this was a pleasant surprise!
"Naoki-san, Akina-san, look here!"

"Please say a few words!"

"Please tell me how you feel right now!"

"."

But no matter how others called out to them, the Yongshan couple kept walking towards the main entrance of the court and soon disappeared from the sight of the reporters.
"I told you that Mingcai doesn't need to come."

Naoki Nagayama walked into the main entrance of the court with Akina in his arms, then turned a corner to avoid the reporters' gazes.
"The reporters are eyeing you now. You'll be surrounded after the trial!"

"Hahaha, it's not like we haven't been surrounded by reporters before," Akina said with a smile, "and Naoki-san is embroiled in a lawsuit, so how can his wife not show up to encourage him!"

".I've already said this is just a formality."

"Isn't there a slight chance that something unexpected will happen? Even just a tiny bit?!" Akina looked at Naoki Nagayama with a stark look in her eyes.
".I think." After all, the result did not come out
"Then I should stay with Naoki-san."

Akina smiled slyly and easily took her husband's arm.
"Let's go, I haven't been to a trial yet!"

".Akina, you just want to join in the fun, right?!"

"No!"

As they talked, the two walked into the courtroom that had been announced.
This courtroom is not much different from the ones in TV dramas. The center is the judge's seat, the sides are the plaintiff and the defendant, and the seats outside are the audience seats.
There were already many people sitting there to listen, many of them were media personnel, but they were not allowed to bring cameras or recorders.

"Naoki-san Akina-san."

The legal staff of Shuyou had naturally arrived as well. Takanori Numata stood up and greeted them. He was the main lawyer today and there were Takanori Ishizaki, Yuya Koyama, Yuya Otsuka and others, which was already a large team of lawyers.

On the opposite side, the attorney for the Tokyo Sports News was also there, and even the editor-in-chief Junichi Imamura was sitting in the dock, looking at Naoki Nagayama with an inquiring look.

However, Naoki Nagayama did not even glance back. He just whispered with his lawyers about the courtroom rhetoric.

The courtroom, which had been a little noisy, finally quieted down when the judge arrived.

Everyone stood up together to welcome the judge and the clerk, and also showed their respect for the law, and then the trial officially began!
"This court hearing formally examined the case in which Mr. Naoki Nagayama sued the Tokyo Sports Newspaper for violating his privacy and reputation rights."

The judge read the indictment and informed the defendant of the case, then began to allow both parties to debate the evidence submitted and the points of the lawsuit.

"Now, please allow the plaintiff to make his statement."

"Your Honor."

Numata Takashinori said solemnly, holding up a newspaper.
"In early December, the Tokyo Sports Daily published an article on its front page, using a secretly taken photo to slander our client, Naoki Nagayama, as having an 'illegitimate child'. This incident was widely circulated, causing irreparable damage to the reputation of our client."

"The facts are clear and the evidence is irrefutable. Please, Your Honor, rule that the defendant has committed infringement."

"Your Honor, our report is a reasonable speculation based on the facts of the photo!"

"What truth?!"

"The truth is that Naoki Nagayama appeared outside the delivery room of the hospital on that day, at that time, and on the spot. There was only one man outside the delivery room. It's natural for people to think that his child was inside!"

"The logic is not valid!" Numata Takasuke retorted loudly, "Naoki Nagayama appeared outside the delivery room. He might have been visiting relatives or friends, or he might have appeared by chance. How can we first associate him with an 'illegitimate child'? This is malicious speculation!"

"In fact, our client appeared in the delivery room of the hospital because his cousin Nagayama Feng's pregnant woman was giving birth and he went to visit! It's just that at the moment the photo was taken, the cousin was not in the camera."

"The defendant ignored the facts, made malicious speculations, and published false reports, which allowed the fake news to spread. This is an infringement of our client's right to reputation!"

"Also, taking photos without permission is an invasion of privacy!"

"."

Regarding the fact that Naoki Nagayama appeared in the delivery room, the defendant's lawyer invited the reporter who took the photo to explain the relevant logic, trying to prove that it was reasonable for Naoki Nagayama to appear at the scene and make people suspect that he had an illegitimate child.

Moreover, the report used uncertain words such as "maybe" and "possibly", indicating that it was just speculation and had not been confirmed.
The lawyers for both parties began to passionately debate the points of dispute that had been submitted previously, and the scene was indeed filled with some legal pioneer style!
The person involved, Naoki Nagayama, was very happy and even a little excited. He secretly said to his wife:
"Akina, do you think it's like a legal drama?"

"Yeah, very much like that." Akina was watching the debate between the lawyers on both sides as if she were watching a play. "By the way, shouldn't there be a groundbreaking witness by now?!"

As soon as Akina finished speaking, the other party's lawyer, Hiroto Kawasaki, said to the judge:

"Your Honor, we request to call the nurse from the hospital as a witness."

"can."

A nurse from Tokyo Women's Hospital came out and sat in the witness stand. After an introduction, everyone confirmed her identity.

"Excuse me, the name written on the VIP delivery room reservation file for that day is Naoki Nagayama, right?"

"Yes."

Kawasaki Hiroto smiled and looked directly at Naoki Nagayama.
"As we all know, the person who reserved the delivery room is the husband of the woman in labor. Mr. Naoki Nagayama, do you have any objection to this?"

She's actually a nurse from the hospital?!
Naoki Nagayama was a little surprised. Didn't the nurse know that after leaking the patient's information, the hospital would no longer be able to employ her? !
Oh, the other party must have given her a large sum of money so that she could stop working and go home to be a housewife?
"Objection! The opposing lawyer cannot question my client!"

"The objection is valid. The plaintiff does not have to answer!"

Kawasaki Hiroto continued, "The person who booked the delivery room is Naoki Nagayama. Based on common sense, we speculate that the father of the child is Naoki Nagayama, which is also natural!"

"Doesn't Mr. Naoki Nagayama agree with this?"

Takanori Numata was about to continue to refuse on behalf of Naoki Nagayama, but Naoki Nagayama shook his head and indicated that he could speak.

It's not easy to come to court. Wouldn't it be boring if I didn't say a word? !
"Lawyer Kawasaki, I can answer your question! I don't agree!"

Under the gazes of so many people, Naoki Nagayama felt like he was going crazy again.
"Lawyer Kawasaki, your common sense is wrong! As we all know, the name of the person who reserved the delivery room is the one who paid the hospital! Not the husband!!"

"Many single mothers and unmarried women booked delivery rooms with their own names, friends, relatives or even people from welfare organizations."

"Anyway, it's the one who pays!"

"." Kawasaki Hiroto paused, "Then why should Mr. Naoki Nagayama pay?!"

“Because I have a discount!!!”

Naoki Nagayama said it with confidence!!
When these words were spoken, everyone present was stunned, and even the judge showed a surprised look!
"My wife also gave birth in this hospital before. Due to some reasons, I have a good relationship with the director, so he gave me a 7% discount on the fee."

"So this time I'm introducing my cousin to this hospital, and I'll make the reservation directly. The fees can be reduced a lot. It's reasonable for me to sign, right?!"

"."

It is well known that Naoki Nagayama is a rich man, very rich. How could such a man be so rich because of a discount?
The defendant's attorney was speechless for a moment. Although this reason was a bit outrageous, it was indeed very reasonable.
Numata Takasuke reacted first:

"From this, we can see that the defendant's logic is wrong and the report based on wrong logic seriously violates the facts and infringes on the reputation rights of our client!"

"."

Even though the other side's lawyers continued to bring up some opinions, there was no doubt that Naoki Nagayama had won the disputed facts, and he could not escape the infringement of his reputation rights.
Next, it is "Artists' obligation to tolerate media invasion of privacy"

"Your Honor!"

The defendant's attorney, Hiroto Kawasaki, immediately raised a surprising point of view.

"We believe that artists are public figures and the criteria for judging privacy rights should be more flexible. Mr. Naoki Nagayama was filming in a public place."

"Objection!" said Numata Takasuke loudly.

"???" The other lawyer was speechless, "Mr. Numata, I haven't finished stating my opinion, nor have I asked any questions."

"I will still oppose it!" Numata Takasuke still opposed.

"Ahem." The judge had to speak, "Lawyer Numata, what do you object to?"

"The defendant's lawyer got the basic facts wrong. Our plaintiff, Mr. Naoki Nagayama, is not an artist!!!"

"???"

Everyone looked at Naoki Nagayama again, and Naoki Nagayama smiled shyly. We are not an artist~
"Lawyer Numata, are you kidding me?!"

"Of course not!" Numata Takasuke said confidently, "The so-called artist refers to a professional who signs a contract with an agency, conducts agency business, and engages in performing arts."

"Our client has never signed an agency contract, nor has he received compensation for his performances."

"I oppose it!" The editor-in-chief of Tokyo Sports News suddenly became excited, "I oppose it!!!"

The judge patted his head helplessly:

"Editor-in-Chief Junichi Imamura, you are not a lawyer, you cannot object!"

"But I have something to say!"

Junichi Imamura was anxious.

"Naoki Nagayama has been on the show before, first with Seiko Matsuda, then with Akina Nakamori who is sitting here, he also appeared on Night Hit!!!"

As the editor-in-chief of an entertainment newspaper, Junichi Imamura is quite capable. He even remembers things that happened four or five years ago!
"what"

Naoki Nagayama glanced at Akina and recalled that he had indeed participated in a show when he had just entered the entertainment industry.

However, Naoki Nagayama smiled and said:

"I was invited as a guest and the fee was 'travel fee'. It was never an appearance fee!"

"."

Although money was paid, since Naoki Nagayama had never signed an agency contract, the money was paid in the form of travel expenses.
This is common practice in the industry, as some shows will invite professional consultants who only appear once, and they don't have an agency, so they all use this form of payment.

In fact, it is the same type as the artist's appearance fee, but it is completely different in law~
“This is not the same!”

“It’s different in law!”

"."

Junichi Imamura sat down helplessly.
The judge felt that today's trial was too chaotic and hurried to maintain order:
"Please continue your statement, defendant's lawyer. No one else is allowed to interrupt!"

"Hi"

Kawasaki Hiroto slowed down a bit.
"Even though he is not an artist, as a public figure, Naoki Nagayama should be more tolerant of the media. Naoki Nagayama has often been photographed before and has made headlines. He has never been held accountable."

I have said a lot, and what I mean is that Naoki Nagayama has been reported frequently in the past, so he should be used to it. This time it is just another report, so there is no need to hold on to it.

"I was often photographed before, but I never pursued the matter. However, this does not mean that the fact of violation of privacy and reputation does not exist!"

As soon as Kawasaki Hiroto finished speaking, Numata Takasuke stood up and loudly refuted.
"Whether to pursue the case is Naoki Nagayama's choice. The court should support our client in maintaining his rights!"

"As a rule of thumb, it is always okay for the media to photograph public figures!"

"I don't care about conventions or not. It's always OK. Is that right?!"

Some things just don’t weigh a few ounces if you don’t put them on the scale, but they weigh a thousand pounds. I didn’t pursue it before, and it was good for you, me, and everyone else, but I am pursuing it now!

I did not grant you the right to take my picture, you are violating my portrait rights and privacy rights!!
At this time, Numata Takasuke felt that he was the embodiment of justice and law!!!

However, the other party's defense lawyer, Hiroto Kawasaki, still talked about past sentencing cases, the special nature of the media, and the public's right to know.
After all, Japan has a European legal system that emphasizes customary law, and judges attach great importance to precedents.

After more than an hour of heated debate, Numata Takasuke made a concluding statement:

"Your Honor, the facts of this case are clear, the evidence is solid, and the public is paying close attention to it. This is a typical case of the media's 'fourth power', i.e., supervisory power, infringing on individual rights."

"But the media's 'public power' also needs to be restricted and supervised. The law is the criterion for limiting the media's unlimited power."

"The verdict on this case is likely to affect the judgment criteria for subsequent related cases!"

"I hope the judge will carefully consider and give our client a fair verdict! Compensate our client for the loss of reputation and mental damage."

"."

Judge Sawada Akitomo was speechless after hearing these words. He had been receiving calls from various legal circles since the past few days. Both parties were trying to influence the judge's decision by various means.
But there is no way around it, this is how the Western legal system works!

"Bang bang bang!"

The judge knocked a few times with his hammer.

"The court will adjourn for half an hour and the panel will gather opinions and discuss. The result will be announced when the court reconvenes!"

"Lawyers for both parties, please come to the judge's room!"

As the judge and others left, the atmosphere in the courtroom became relaxed and everyone could talk and chat in low voices.

Some of the media personnel in the audience were writing furiously, while others ran out to communicate with their colleagues about the trial process.
Naoki Nagayama was talking to Akina about whether they should try to film some legal dramas about court trials in the future, when Takasuke Numata came over:
"Naoki-san has already communicated with the judge in the court, and the judge has again proposed a settlement, and I rejected it according to your opinion!"

"Are you talking about reconciliation again?!"

This is how the court in Neon works. This is the last settlement presided over by the judge. If a settlement can be reached, there is no need to continue with the sentencing.

"Judging from the judge's tone, we will definitely win the case, but the compensation will probably be only a small symbolic amount."

After all, the facts are clear and the evidence is conclusive. It is certain that there is infringement. Otherwise, where is the dignity of the law? The reputation of the judge will also be ruined! I will not be able to do this job anymore!

However, it is a de facto practice in Japan for the media to photograph public figures. If the amount of compensation is huge, how will the media continue to work and report?

The judge didn't want to set a precedent that might provoke a collective resistance from the media industry!

Therefore, the best way is to rule that the infringement is established, but since Naoki Nagayama is a public figure, he should be appropriately tolerant of the media, so the amount of compensation should be just a symbolic amount. As for the apology, it can be done in person, not on the headlines of newspapers.
“Well, I knew it would be like this.”

Naoki Nagayama nodded, but he wasn't doing it for the money!
"But as long as there is a verdict, it's fine!"

Half an hour later, the judge returned to the courtroom.

"Everyone stand up, the verdict will be announced now!"

Judge Sawada Akitomo stood up and began to read the verdict in his hand.
“After the decision of the collegial panel, this court makes the following ruling:
The Oriental Sports Daily’s violation of Naoki Nagayama’s personal privacy and reputation rights is established!
"

Reporters outside the court began to line up in several rows early in the morning, setting up their cameras, recorders and other equipment, waiting for Naoki Nagayama to come out!

After waiting in the cold wind for seven or eight minutes, the reporters finally saw a group of people walking out of the court door. Among them, the figure wearing a windbreaker stood out from the crowd and was very conspicuous!

Naoki Nagayama let go of Akina's hand, indicating that she didn't need to accept the interview, got into the car with the others, and then strode in front of the numerous cameras.

He stood in front of the reporters, took out the verdict from his pocket and showed it to the camera.
Naoki Nagayama smiled brightly and spoke clearly, word by word:

"My media brothers! We won!!!"

“???!!!” “OOO” “Huh?” “Oh my god.” “.”

Isn't this the case where Naoki Nagayama sued the media for copyright infringement? ! ! !
Who the hell is your brother?!

The reporters present all had a sense of absurdity, as if someone was turning the tables and confusing right and wrong.
At this time, Naoki Nagayama was still talking nonsense:

“My fellow media brothers, after our ardent efforts, we have finally defeated the evil Oriental Sports!
Achieve victory!"

"From today on, we will let all those who are bullied by the media know
The law is fair! Justice will never be late!!!"

Junichi Mura, who apologized to Naoki Nagayama in the courtroom, originally wanted to quietly pass by without commenting, but when he passed by the press conference, he heard Naoki Nagayama's words.
This almost made him fall down. The editor-in-chief, who had experienced many ups and downs, couldn't withstand such "confrontation"!
Saying in front of the media that you were bullied by the media? And then calling the media reporters your brothers?

Although the various trendy ideas of Japan in recent years are indeed speechless, when did it become completely unrecognizable? !

Has this world become so crazy? ! !
Junichi Imamura looked up at the sky and felt old for the first time
A gust of cold wind blew, and he, who was already lacking oxygen, felt his entire consciousness floating and he could no longer feel the ground. It seemed as if someone was shouting.
"Tokyo Sports' editor-in-chief Imamura fainted!!!"

"After the verdict came out, I couldn't even leave the court?!"

"Can't you bear the blow?!"

"As expected, justice will not be late?!!"