Earlier this year, talent/comedian Matsumoto Hitoshi sued �FLASH� magazine for damaging his reputation. He demanded Kobunsha (owner of FLASH) to pay 11 million yen (~134,500 USD) and to release an article with an apology. On December 16th, Tokyo�s district courts completed their review of his claim and decided to dismiss it.

The article in question was from September 7th, 2010. Titled, �He�s coming back from surgery, but also returning to the nightlife if Shinjuku as well!�, Matsumoto claimed that the article gave a wrong impression to his readers.

The presiding judge explained the article was not slanderous. �The article only says that (Matsumoto) was out eating with staff until late at night on his comeback day and ends there. The headline isn�t specific as to what nightlife, so the truth wasn�t clearly shown,� they said.

Matsumoto�s agency commented, �It�s unfortunate we didn�t win the claim. After checking with Matsumoto, we will consider doing an appeal.�

Source: Sanspo