Japanese actress Hiroe Sato recently received a summary order to pay a fine of 700,000 yen. The order didn't specify the reason behind the fine. The news has sparked controversy and evoked discussions and debates about celebrities' social responsibilities and legal obligations.

Violations of law by celebrities are often taken seriously in Japan as a matter of public interest. Worth mentioning is that general public maintains high expectations around their personal conduct. Any violation, major or minor, can invite a severe backlash and in some cases could even lead to a temporary halt or an end to their careers.

In comparison, in the EU and the US, lapses by celebrities often become a topic of public debate as well. However, repercussions on their professional life may vary. Some instances may lead to serious legal and career consequences while in other cases they may weather out the storm relatively unscathed. This depends on the nature of the violation and public opinion.