Overview
- The indictment says Shimizu possessed 0.392 grams of dried cannabis at his Suginami Ward home on September 3.
- Proceedings concluded the same day at the Tokyo District Court before Judge Shoji Miyata, with sentencing arguments completed.
- Prosecutors argued he showed habitual use, citing statements that he began around age 20 in the United States and used several times a month this year.
- Shimizu told the court he used cannabis for relaxation under work-related stress and apologized, expressing strong remorse.
- An initial police allegation of joint possession with a cohabiting woman was not prosecuted, and his arrest has already led to industry fallout including removal from an NHK morning drama.