"I Never Fail": Ryoko Yonekura Cleared as Prosecutors Drop Drug Allegations

On January 30, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office announced its decision not to prosecute actress Ryoko Yonekura, who had been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, among other charges.

This breaking news quickly spread through news websites, with many users on social media expressing relief and surprise. Numerous comments such as "That's a real relief" and "I'm so glad" were posted, reflecting widespread joy at Yonekura's exoneration.

Meanwhile, regarding the decision not to prosecute, some users requested details, asking "What was the reason for non-prosecution (lack of suspicion, insufficient evidence, or suspension of prosecution)?" Various opinions were also expressed concerning the process from referral to prosecutors to non-prosecution.

Yonekura is well-known for her famous line "I never fail" from her starring drama. Following the non-prosecution decision, posts quoting this line and conveying the outcome were seen on social media. While a series of reports had drawn significant attention, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's decision marks a turning point in the commotion surrounding Yonekura.

The context

Ryoko Yonekura is one of Japan's most prominent actresses, highly regarded for her charismatic roles, particularly as the titular character in the immensely popular medical drama "Doctor-X ~Surgeon Michiko Daimon~". In this series, her character's iconic catchphrase, "私、失敗しないので" (Watashi, shippai shinai node), which translates to "I never fail," has become a household phrase, symbolizing her on-screen resilience and competence.

The "Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act" refers to strict drug laws in Japan. Being "referred to prosecutors" (書類送検, shorui soken) means that the police have sent a case and evidence to the public prosecutor's office for a decision on whether to indict. It is not an arrest, but it indicates formal suspicion. A "decision not to prosecute" (不起訴処分, fukiso shobun) means the prosecutor has decided not to proceed with a criminal trial. This can happen for various reasons, including insufficient evidence (嫌疑不十分, kengi fujubun), no suspicion (嫌疑なし, kengi nashi), or a decision to suspend prosecution (起訴猶予, kiso yuyo) even if there is enough evidence, often due to minor offense or specific circumstances. In Japan, a non-prosecution decision effectively clears the individual of the charges in the eyes of the law, preventing them from facing a trial.