Japanese actor Nijiro Murakami, who plays the popular character Chishiya in Netflix’s hit series Alice in Borderland, is facing serious legal trouble in his home country. Tokyo police have referred the 29-year-old actor to prosecutors on suspicion of repeatedly assaulting his former girlfriend.
The case has shocked fans around the world who know Murakami for his clever and calm character in the survival drama series. The actor has reportedly admitted to causing injuries during the incidents that took place at his home in Tokyo.
What Happened According to Police Reports
The investigation into Nijiro Murakami started after his former girlfriend filed a complaint with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department earlier this year. According to Japanese media outlets including Nikkan Sports and NHK, the actor is accused of assaulting the woman on four separate occasions.
The alleged incidents happened between March and May 2024 at Murakami’s home in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. Police reports state that the actor allegedly punched the woman in the face, pulled her hair, and slammed her head against a window.
The injuries were reportedly serious enough to require more than one month of medical treatment to heal properly.
The woman only came forward to report the abuse earlier this year. After completing their investigation, police referred the case to prosecutors on June 26, 2026.
Actor Admits to Causing Injuries
During voluntary questioning by police, Nijiro Murakami reportedly admitted to the assaults. According to Japanese media, he told investigators, “There is no doubt that I injured her.”
The case is now with prosecutors who will decide whether to file formal criminal charges against the actor. The referral to prosecutors does not mean Murakami has been found guilty. He still has the right to defend himself in court if charges are filed.
Background on the Alice in Borderland Star
Born in Tokyo on March 17, 1997, Nijiro Murakami comes from a family of entertainers. His father is actor Jun Murakami, and his mother is the well-known singer UA (Kaori Hasegawa).
Murakami made his acting debut in 2014 with the lead role in Naomi Kawase’s film Still the Water. The movie was shown at the Cannes Film Festival. He gained recognition for his work in films like Destruction Babies and The Miracles of the Namiya General Store.
International audiences know him best for playing Chishiya in Alice in Borderland on Netflix. His character is known for white hair and a calm, intelligent personality. The role made him popular with viewers around the world.
Previous Controversies and Hiatus
This is not the first time Nijiro Murakami has been in the news for concerning reasons. In 2023, he suddenly stopped his acting activities and dropped out of the stage play Evangelion Beyond. The official reason given was physical and mental health issues.
However, Japanese media outlets like Shukan Bunshun reported that his disappearance from public life might have been due to behavioral problems and conflicts on filming sets. He reportedly often canceled work schedules at the last minute and was difficult to contact. He returned to acting activities in 2025.
Upcoming Project Faces Uncertainty
The timing of the assault allegations has put Nijiro Murakami’s upcoming TV project in question. He is scheduled to appear in the first episode of TV Tokyo’s horror anthology series Strange – Junji Ito’s Strange Stories That Keep You Up at Night. The series is set to premiere on July 3, 2026.
Murakami was cast as Koseki in the episode titled The Mansion of Phantom Pain. TV Tokyo and the production team have not yet commented on whether the legal proceedings will affect the series or Murakami’s role in it. Fans are waiting to see if his scenes will be cut or if the episode will still air as planned.
Career Achievements and Recognition
Despite the current legal issues, Nijiro Murakami has earned respect in the Japanese entertainment industry for his acting skills. He won the Best Newcomer Award at the 29th Kasaki Film Festival for his debut role. He also received the Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Blood of Wolves LEVEL 2.
He has appeared in various TV shows, including the NHK morning drama Come Come Everybody. His work spans both film and television, making him one of the more recognized young actors in Japan.
Also Read:
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
The case against Nijiro Murakami is now in the hands of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office. They will review all evidence collected by police and decide whether to formally indict the actor.
If prosecutors decide to press charges, Murakami will have to appear in court. If they decide not to charge him, the case will be closed without further action. Neither Murakami nor his talent agency has released any public statement about the case yet.
The Japanese legal system takes assault cases seriously. If found guilty, Murakami could face significant penalties. However, at this stage, no decision has been made, and the actor remains innocent until proven otherwise.
Also Read: Why ‘The Hand of Dante’ Ending Does Not Fully Support the Timeline Convergence Theory
For more updates on Japanese celebrities and entertainment news, keep visiting VvipTimes.
