Former Morning Musume member Yoshizawa Hitomi (33) was indicted on September 26th and released on bail on September 27th, three weeks after her arrest for negligence and driving under the influence after running over two people (both suffered minor injuries). Yoshizawa’s blood alcohol limit was four times the amount and after a video of the accident was leaked to the public, many in the media felt that her entertainment career would be over.
According to the indictment, Yoshizawa was driving while intoxicated at 86 kph (53 mph), the legal speed limit of the road she was on was 60 kph (37 mph), while students were walking to school early in the morning.
The day after being released and posting bail, Yoshizawa announced her retirement from the entertainment industry.
In a fax sent to mass media, Yoshizawa requested for the retirement and also to cancel her exclusive management contract.
Her management said in regards to canceling her contract, “We were strongly aware of the magnitude and the social impact of this case, we spoke with her and confirmed her intention and reached this conclusion”.
In the accompanying statement, Yoshizawa wrote, “I looked back at my life alone for the past 21 days and realized my own weakness and immaturity”.
Yoshizawa continued, “To the people I have injured, I apologize deeply”.
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