Chapter 1126: My media brothers! We have won!!!

Finally, it was December 19th.

The entrance of the court in Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda, was unexpectedly lively. A large group of reporters gathered nearby from the morning, and there were also onlookers and passersby who didn't know the truth, which was about to form a congestion.

The court police had to come out to maintain order to prevent stampede events that might occur due to the gathering of crowds.

Today is the public trial time for Nagayama Naoki's defamation case, or the "illegitimate child incident." Because Shuyou issued an explanation, Nagayama Naoki would hold a press conference at the entrance regardless of the result, so reporters from major media all came.

Even the "Tokyo Sports Newspaper," which was the other party, also arranged reporters at the entrance... A few days ago, even their own newspaper reported the progress of the illegitimate child incident, and by the way, launched a voting activity for the trial result!

This kind of "entertainment to death" attitude of leading by example actually made the public feel some admiration~

"It's a bit like some major event, like walking the red carpet..."

A reporter looked at this scene with some emotion, and then raised his camera to take a picture of this scene!

"When will it start..."

A reporter who wanted to broadcast live asked,

"Forget it, turn it on, turn it on, let's film the preliminary stage first!"

Even though the cold wind was biting, it couldn't stop the enthusiasm of this group of media workers, and the atmosphere at the scene became more and more lively~

Just at this time, a Toyota Century slowly drove towards the main entrance of the court, and then Nagayama Naoki, who was wearing a trench coat, and Akina walked out of the car together...

"Nagayama Naoki is here!!!" The sharp-eyed reporter shouted excitedly.

"There is also Nakamori Akina next to him!!!"

Other reporters started to press the shutter wildly!

Didn't they say Nakamori Akina would also come?!

However, they were husband and wife after all, so it seemed reasonable for the husband to attend the court trial and the wife to be together~

But for the reporters at the scene, this was an unexpected joy!

"Naoki-san, Akina-san... look here!"

"Please say a few words!"

"Please be sure to talk about your current mood!"

"....."

But no matter how others called, the Nagayama couple still walked towards the main entrance of the court without stopping, and soon disappeared from the reporters' sight...

"I already said Akina didn't need to come..."

Nagayama Naoki walked into the main entrance of the court with Akina, and then turned a corner to shake off the reporters' sight,

"You've been targeted by reporters... You'll be surrounded after the court trial comes out!"

"Hahaha... it's not like I haven't been surrounded by reporters..." Akina said with a smile, "And Naoki-san is deep in a lawsuit, how can a wife not appear to encourage him!"

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

"Is there no chance at all that an accident will happen? Even a little bit of a little bit?!" Akina looked at Nagayama Naoki with black and white eyes...

"...... There is... right..." The result didn't come out after all...

"Then I should be by Naoki-san's side..."

Akina smiled slyly, and easily took her husband's arm,

"Let's go, I haven't participated in a court trial yet!"

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

"Not at all!"

The two walked into the announced courtroom while talking~

This courtroom was no different from the one on TV. The center was the judge's seat, both sides were the plaintiff and the defendant, and the seats outside were the public gallery...

Many people who came to listen had already sat in the venue, many of whom were media personnel, but they were not allowed to bring cameras or recorders.

"Naoki-san... Akina-san..."

Shuyou's legal personnel naturally had already arrived. Numata Gaodian stood up to say hello. He was the main debater today... and Shi Qi Cong, Koyama Yuya, Otsuka Yuya, and others, could already be considered a not-so-small lawyer group.

Opposite, the agent lawyer of the "Tokyo Sports Newspaper" was also there, and even the editor-in-chief Imamura Junichi sat on the defendant's seat, looking at Nagayama Naoki with eyes full of inquiry.

However, Nagayama Naoki didn't look back at him at all... just communicating with his own lawyers in a low voice about the trial's rhetoric.

The slightly noisy courtroom finally quieted down when the judge arrived.

Everyone stood up together, welcoming the arrival of the judge and the clerk, and also showing respect for the law, and then the court trial officially began!

"This court trial officially tries the case of Mr. Nagayama Naoki suing the 'Tokyo Sports Newspaper' for infringing on his privacy rights and reputation rights..."

The judge read the indictment, informed the defendant of the case, and then let both sides start debating based on the submitted evidence and litigation points.

"Next, please state the plaintiff side..."

"Judge."

Numata Gaodian's tone was solemn, holding up a newspaper,

"At the beginning of December, the 'Tokyo Sports Newspaper' published an article on the front page, with a stolen photo, slandering my client, Mr. Nagayama Naoki, of having an 'illegitimate child.' This incident spread widely and caused an irreparable impact on my client's reputation..."

"The facts are clear, the evidence is solid... I ask the judge to judge that the defendant's infringement is established..."

"Judge, our report is based on the truth of the photo... the reasonable speculation made!"

"What truth?!"

"The truth is that Nagayama Naoki appeared outside the delivery room of the hospital on that day, at that time, and on the spot, and there was only one male outside the delivery room... It naturally makes people associate that it is his child inside!"

"The logic is not established!" Numata Gaodian retorted loudly, "Nagayama Naoki appearing outside the delivery room might be visiting relatives, might be appearing by accident... how can one first associate that there is an 'illegitimate child'? This is malicious speculation!"

"In fact, my client appeared outside the hospital delivery room because his cousin Nagayama Kaede's pregnant wife was giving birth, and he was visiting... It's just that the cousin wasn't in the lens at the moment the photo was taken..."

"The defendant side, ignoring the facts, maliciously speculating, and publishing false reports, which caused the fake news to spread... This is an infringement on my client's reputation rights!"

"In addition, stealing photos without permission is an infringement on privacy rights!"

"......"

Based on the fact that Nagayama Naoki appeared outside the delivery room, the defendant lawyer invited the reporter who took the photo to explain the relevant logic, trying to prove that Nagayama Naoki appearing at that scene made people suspect that there was an illegitimate child, which was very reasonable.

And used uncertain words like "perhaps," "maybe," etc. in the report, indicating that they were just speculating and didn't clearly state...

The agent lawyers of both sides started to debate passionately based on the litigation points that had been submitted before, and the scene indeed had some style of legal pioneers!

Nagayama Naoki, the client, watched very happily, and even felt a bit excited, secretly saying to his wife:

"Akina, do you think it's like a legal drama?"

"Hmm, very like..." Akina also watched like a play, looking at the debate between the lawyers of both sides, "By the way, shouldn't there be a breakthrough witness at this time?!"

Akina's voice just fell, and she saw the opposing lawyer Kawasaki Hiroto say to the judge:

"Judge, our side requests to summon a witness... the nurse of the hospital..."

"Can."

A nurse from the Tokyo Women's Hospital walked out and sat on the witness stand... After some introduction, everyone confirmed her identity.

"May I ask if the name Nagayama Naoki was written on the VIP delivery room reservation file on that day, right?"

"Yes..."

Kawasaki Hiroto showed a smile on his face, looking directly at Nagayama Naoki,

"As everyone knows, the person who booked the delivery room is the husband of the pregnant woman, Mr. Nagayama Naoki. May I ask if you have any objections to this?"

Actually the nurse of the hospital?!

Nagayama Naoki was a bit surprised... Doesn't this nurse know that after leaking patient information, the hospital couldn't continue to employ her?!

Oh oh, it must be that the other side gave a large sum of money! Let her just not work and go home to be a housewife?

"Objection! The opposing lawyer cannot question my client!"

"Objection valid... The plaintiff doesn't have to answer!"

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

"Regarding this, doesn't Mr. Nagayama Naoki recognize it?"

Numata Gaodian wanted to continue to push away for Nagayama Naoki, but Nagayama Naoki shook his head, signaling that he could speak.

It wasn't easy to come to court once, if he didn't say a word, wouldn't it be too boring?!

"Kawasaki lawyer... I can answer your question! I don't recognize it!"

Under the many gazes, Nagayama Naoki felt that he was a bit crazy again,

"Kawasaki lawyer, your common sense is wrong! As everyone knows... the name of the person who booked the delivery room is the person who paid the hospital!! Not the husband!!"

"Many single mothers, unmarried pregnant women... the name of the person who booked their delivery room can be themselves, friends, relatives, or even people from welfare institutions..."

"In short, it's the person who paid!"

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

"Because I have a discount!!!"

Nagayama Naoki said righteously!!

As soon as this was said, everyone present was stunned, and even the judge showed a surprised look!

"Before, my wife also gave birth at the hospital. Due to some reasons, I had a friendship with the dean, and the cost for me could be 30% off..."

"So this time I introduced my cousin to this hospital, and it was booked directly by me, and the cost could be reduced a lot... It's very reasonable for me to sign, right?!"

"......"

As everyone knows... Nagayama Naoki is a rich man, a very rich and very rich kind... How can such a person be because of such a thing as a discount...

The defendant's agent lawyer couldn't speak for a while, this reason, although a bit outrageous, was indeed very reasonable~

Numata Gaodian reacted first:

"From this, it can be seen that the defendant's logic is wrong... and the report based on wrong logic seriously violates the facts and infringes on my client's reputation rights!"

"...."

Even if the opposing lawyer continued to take out some points of view, regarding the facts and litigation points, it was undoubtedly Nagayama Naoki's side that won, and the infringement of reputation rights couldn't run away~

Next, it was "the tolerance obligation of artists for media infringement of privacy..."

"Judge!"

The defendant's agent lawyer Kawasaki Hiroto suddenly put forward a surprising point of view,

"Our side believes that artists are public figures, and the judgment standard for privacy rights should be more flexible... Mr. Nagayama Naoki was filmed in a public place..."

"Objection!" Numata Gaodian said loudly.

"???" The opposing lawyer was speechless, "Numata lawyer, I haven't finished stating my point of view, nor have I asked a question..."

"I should object, so I will object!" Numata Gaodian still objected.

"Cough cough..." The judge had to speak, "Numata lawyer, what are you objecting to?"

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

"???"

Everyone's eyes looked at Nagayama Naoki again... and Nagayama Naoki also showed a shy smile... I am not an artist~

"Numata lawyer, are you joking?!"

"Of course not!" Numata Gaodian was full of confidence, "The so-called artist refers to professional personnel who sign contracts with brokerage companies, carry out brokerage business, and engage in performing arts..."

"My client has never signed a brokerage contract, nor has he received remuneration through performing arts..."

"Objection!" The editor-in-chief of the "Tokyo Sports Newspaper" was suddenly excited, "I object!!!"

The judge helplessly patted his head:

"Imamura Junichi editor-in-chief, you are not a lawyer, you cannot shout objection!"

"But I have something to say!"

Imamura Junichi was anxious,

"Nagayama Naoki clearly appeared on announcements, first with Matsuda Seiko, and then with Nakamori Akina who is sitting here, together on 'Yoru no Hit Studio'!!!"

As the editor-in-chief of an entertainment newspaper, Imamura Junichi still had some skills; he remembered things from four or five years ago!

"Ah..."

Nagayama Naoki looked at Akina and recalled it, he did participate in the program when he just entered the entertainment industry.

However... Nagayama Naoki smiled:

"I was invited to be a guest... the fee was 'travel expenses'... never an appearance fee!"

"......."

Although they gave money, because Nagayama Naoki really didn't sign a brokerage contract, they were all paid in the form of travel expenses...

This is a common practice in the industry. Some programs invite professional consultants who only appear once, and they don't have an agency, so they all use this form to pay.

Actually, it is the same type as the artist's appearance fee, but it is completely different in law~

"This... isn't this the same!"

"It's different in law!"

"......"

Imamura Junichi sat down helplessly~

The judge felt that today's court trial was too chaotic, and had to maintain order:

"Please defendant lawyer continue to state, others cannot interrupt!"

"Hai..."

Kawasaki Hiroto slowed down a bit,

"Even if not an artist, but Mr. Nagayama Naoki as a public figure, should have some tolerance for the media... Mr. Nagayama Naoki was often filmed before, and was on the headlines... never pursued..."

Said a lot, meaning that Nagayama Naoki was often reported before, and should have been used to it. This time it was just another report, no need to hold on to it.

"Often filmed before, never pursued, but it doesn't mean that the fact of infringing on privacy rights and reputation rights doesn't exist!"

As soon as Kawasaki Hiroto finished speaking, Numata Gaodian stood up and retorted loudly,

"Whether to pursue or not is Nagayama Naoki's choice, the court should support my client's maintenance of his own rights!"

"According to convention... media filming public figures has always been possible!"

"I don't care about convention or not... it has always been possible, is it right?!"

Some things are not four taels without weighing, and a thousand catties cannot be held when weighing... I didn't pursue it before, you are good, I am good, everyone is good, but now I pursue it!!

I didn't grant you the power to film my image, you are infringing on my portrait rights and privacy rights!!

Numata Gaodian felt that he was the incarnation of justice and law at this time!!!

However, the opposing defense lawyer Kawasaki Hiroto was still talking about past penalty cases, the particularity of the media, and the public's right to know~

After all, Japan is a European legal system, emphasizing customary law, and the judge attaches great importance to precedents.

After more than an hour of tit-for-tat, Numata Gaodian made a closing statement:

"Judge, the facts of this case are clear, the evidence is solid, and the social attention is high... It is a typical case of the media's 'fourth power', that is, the infringement of personal rights by the supervisory power..."

"But the 'public power' of the media also needs to be restricted and supervised. Law is the standard for restricting the unlimited power of the media..."

"The verdict of this case is very likely to affect the judgment standard of subsequent related cases!"

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

"......"

Judge Sawada Akichi was very speechless listening to these words... Since a few days ago, calls from all walks of the legal profession had been made to him, and both sides were using various means to influence the judge's verdict~

But there was no way, the Western legal system is like this!

"Peng peng peng!"

The judge knocked a few times with a small hammer,

"Adjourn for half an hour... the collegiate bench will synthesize opinions, discuss, and announce the results

"Both sides' defense attorneys, come to the judge's chambers!"

As the judge and the others left, the atmosphere in the courtroom became relaxed, and everyone was able to speak and chat in low voices.

Some of the media personnel in the gallery were scribbling furiously, while others hurried out to communicate the trial process to their colleagues...

Naoki Nagayama was just asking Akina if she would like to try filming some legal dramas about trials in the future, when Takanori Numata walked over:

"Nagayama-san... we have already communicated in the judge's chambers. The judge brought up a settlement again, and I rejected it according to your instructions!"

"So they really brought up a settlement again, huh?!"

That is how courts in Japan are; this counts as the final settlement hosted by the judge. If a settlement can be reached, then there is no need for the sentencing to continue.

"Judging by the judge's tone, our winning the lawsuit is certain, but as for the compensation, it is very likely to be only a symbolic amount..."

After all, the facts are clear and the evidence is conclusive; the ruling of infringement is certain. Otherwise, where would the majesty of the law be? The judge's reputation would also be ruined! He wouldn't be able to work anymore!

However, media photographing public figures is already a de facto custom in Japan. If the awarded compensation is huge, how will the media work in the future? How will they report?

The judge also does not want to set this precedent... it might incite a collective resistance from the media industry!

Therefore, the best method is to rule that the infringement is established, but because Naoki Nagayama is a public figure, there should be appropriate tolerance for the media, so the compensation amount should only be a symbolic trifle. As for an apology, doing it in person is enough; it doesn't need to be on the front page of the newspaper...

"Well... I also knew it would probably be like this..."

Naoki Nagayama nodded, but he wasn't doing this for the money!

"However, having the verdict is enough!"

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

"All rise. We will now begin reading the verdict!"

Judge Akitomo Sawada stood up and began to read the verdict in his hand...

"Following the deliberation of the collegiate bench, this court rules as follows:

The act of the 'Oriental Sports Newspaper' infringing upon Naoki Nagayama's personal privacy and reputation rights is established!

........"

The reporters outside the courthouse had long since lined up in several rows, and had set up all their equipment, such as cameras and microphones, just waiting for Naoki Nagayama to walk out!

After waiting in the cold wind for seven or eight minutes, the reporters finally saw a group of people walk out of the courthouse entrance, among whom the figure wearing a trench coat stood out from the crowd, very conspicuous!

Naoki Nagayama let go of Akina's hand, signaling that she did not need to accept this interview and should get in the car with the others first, then strode in front of the numerous lenses.

He stood still in front of the reporters, then took the verdict out of his pocket and displayed it in front of the lenses...

A bright smile appeared on Naoki Nagayama's face, and he said clearly, word for word:

"My media brothers! We have won!!!"

"???!!!" "OOO" "Huh?" "Damn..." "......."

Wait... wasn't this case Naoki Nagayama suing the media for infringement?!!!

Who the hell is your brother?!

The reporters present all had an absurd feeling, as if someone was turning the world upside down and confusing black and white...

And at this moment, Naoki Nagayama was still spouting nonsense:

"My media brothers, through our unremitting efforts, we have finally defeated the evil 'Oriental Sports Newspaper'!

We have achieved a victory!"

"From today on, we want everyone who has been oppressed by the media to know.......

The law is fair! Justice will never be late!!!"

Junichi Imamura, who had apologized to Naoki Nagayama on the spot in the courtroom, had originally thought about sneaking past from the side without expressing any opinion, but heard Naoki Nagayama's words while passing by the press conference...

This made him almost fall down; the editor-in-chief, who had experienced many storms, could not withstand such "contrary words" all at once!

Saying he was oppressed by the media in front of the media? And then calling the media reporters brothers?

Although the various trendy ideas in Japan over the past few years have indeed made people speechless, when did it become so unrecognizable?!

Has this world really gone crazy to this extent?!!

Junichi Imamura looked up at the sky, feeling for the first time that he was old...

A gust of cold wind blew, and already somewhat oxygen-deprived, he only felt his entire consciousness floating and drifting, unable to feel the ground, only that someone seemed to be shouting......

"Editor-in-Chief Imamura of the 'Tokyo Sports Newspaper' has fainted!!!"

"Can't he even walk out of the courthouse after the verdict is out?!"

"Can he really not handle the blow?!"

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

(End of chapter)