Overview
- Shimizu acknowledged the indictment at the Dec. 8 hearing, accepting the charge of possessing dried cannabis.
- According to prosecutors, he possessed 0.392 grams at his Suginami Ward home on Sept. 3.
- Police had initially alleged joint possession with a cohabiting woman, but she was not prosecuted and the case now centers on sole possession.
- During questioning, he reportedly said a friend purchased the cannabis and that he first used it around age 20 while studying in the United States, adding he smoked several times a month this year.
- He was released on bail in October, apologized publicly, and lost a planned role in NHK’s morning drama as his case proceeds.