TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Thursday announced the arrest of a popular Japanese chef for assaulting a male employee in his restaurant in Minato Ward, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Oct. 22).
In April, Masataka Hisada, the 54-year-old owner of Kappo Hisada, located in the Minami Azabu area, is alleged to have pushed the employee, an apprentice aged in his 20s, and kicked him in the groin outside the restaurant.
The injuries suffered by the employee required one month to heal.
Hisada, who has been charged with inflicting bodily harm, denies kicking the employee.
The victim said that the incident took place because he had not greeted the chef properly in the morning.
According to the Web site for Kappo Hisada, the restaurant, which specializes in seasonal vegetable and fish dishes, opened in 1994.
Hisada regularly appears on television programs and in commercials.
Police are now investigating whether Hisada has abused other staff members.
