Society

Actor Hiroya Shimizu Released on Bail Following Drug Bust

TOKYO, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - The Tokyo District Court on September 24th approved the release on bail of actor Hiroya Shimizu, 26, who has been indicted for violating the Narcotics Control Act by possessing cannabis.

Shimizu’s defense team paid a bail bond of 2 million yen. Upon leaving detention at the Tokyo Wangan Police Station, he bowed deeply before reporters and said, "I sincerely apologize for the concern and trouble I have caused many people."

Police have also arrested actor Kenshin Endo and a man in his twenties working part-time, both on suspicion of jointly possessing cannabis with Shimizu. The arrests were confirmed through interviews with investigators.

Shimizu, who was indicted on September 22nd after being arrested earlier this month for possessing dried cannabis at his Tokyo home, walked out of detention at around 7:15 p.m. on September 24th wearing a black suit and tie. Facing reporters, he stated, "I am truly sorry," before bowing for about 15 seconds and apologizing again for betraying the expectations of fans and industry colleagues.

Shimizu, who made his film debut in 2012 and rose to prominence with roles in the "Tokyo Revengers" series, had been regarded as one of Japan’s promising young actors. In a past police interrogation, he admitted, "I first smoked cannabis at age 20 while studying abroad in Los Angeles. From around age 24, when my income increased, my usage grew."

The Metropolitan Police Department believes a man in his twenties acted as a buyer of cannabis for Shimizu. During questioning, Endo, who co-starred with Shimizu in a 2018 film and appeared in an NHK historical drama in 2021, denied involvement, saying, "I did see something like cannabis at Shimizu’s home, but it was not mine."

Shimizu, meanwhile, admitted, "Each time, I handed cash to a friend and had them purchase cannabis for me." Fans, some of whom had gathered outside the police station hours before his release, expressed disappointment but also a desire to see him in person, fearing it might be their last chance.

Source: Kyodo

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