Comedian Shimada Shinsuke (48) gave an emotional press conference on Friday to apologize publicly to the Yoshimoto staff member who filed assault charges against him. He admitted that he had been 100% in the wrong and renounced claims made by some that she had been rude and “asking for it”. He said he had considered retiring from show business but had been talked out of it by his “sempai” (senior) Kamioka Ryutaro. As someone who has lived abroad and clearly has a strong personality, the 40-year old woman was brave enough to stand up to the star and behaviour that no doubt is common in the business. Comedians in particular regularly slap each other, though the woman’s version of last week’s incident was considerably more violent than Shimada’s. Still, his tearful apology has been made, he has given a suitably remorseful performance, he has been given 10 days house arrest, and he hosts 8 different TV shows, so the matter will probably be laid to rest.