TOKYO - Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke, in his first trial at the Tokyo District Court on Friday, admitted to helping his parents commit suicide. Prosecutors are demanding a three-year prison term.
The 47-year-old Ennosuke, whose real name is Kinoshi Takahiko, was accused of giving sleeping drugs to his father, Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danshiro, and his mother in May, leading to their deaths.
Ennosuke told investigators he was planning to follow them by killing himself.
In the trial, his lawyer asked Ennosuke if the three decided to commit suicide together because of a negative story in a weekly magazine.
A report on a scandal involving Ennosuke was published the day they were found collapsed.
Ennosuke replied that it was not that simple and that his long-suppressed feelings had finally come to the surface. He said he found himself trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts and concluded that suicide was the only option.
Ennosuke acknowledged that a statement he made during the investigation is true. He said that if forgiven, he would like to return to the stage to repay those for whom he caused trouble.
Prosecutors said his parents had no intention of committing suicide and that if he had consulted someone or chosen another path, they would not have died.
The prosecutors stressed that his parents' deaths bring serious consequences and have had a great impact on society.
The prosecutors are seeking a three-year prison term. The defense has asked for a suspended sentence.
初公判で語った“両親とのやりとり” 市川猿之助被告「僕に“すべて任せる”と」#日テレNEWSNNNhttps://t.co/1iVFGwOCaa
— 日テレNEWS NNN (@news24ntv) October 20, 2023
At the end of the trial, Ennosuke said he is very sorry for saddening many people but also grateful for their support.
The court will hand down a sentence on November 17.
