Former XG Producer SIMON Receives Suspended Sentence Over Cocaine Use

Jun 01, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Former XG producer SIMON, whose real name is Junho Sakai, received a suspended prison sentence on June 1st after being convicted of using cocaine.

Sakai, 40, was charged with violating Japan's Narcotics Control Act after allegedly using cocaine at a hotel in Aichi Prefecture in February 2026.

In its ruling on June 1st, the Tokyo District Court said Sakai had engaged in the offense while intermittently using illegal drugs with associates over a period of about two years. The court noted that he had demonstrated "a certain level of familiarity with illegal drugs."

At the same time, the court took into account his expressions of remorse and handed down a prison sentence of one year and four months, suspended for three years.

During previous court hearings, Sakai said, "I deeply regret my actions. I swear I will never repeat them."

Source: FNN

More Travel Disruptions Expected as Typhoon No. 6 Moves Toward Mainland Japan

[updated 22:00 p.m.] Airlines and railway operators are warning of further transportation disruptions across Japan on June 2nd and June 3rd as Typhoon No. 6 moves northeast from Okinawa toward southern Kyushu and the Pacific coast of western Japan. More than 130 flight cancellations have already been announced by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways for June 2nd, following widespread disruptions in Okinawa as the storm passed through the region.

Typhoon No. 6 Threatens Western Japan After Battering Okinawa

[updated 21:00 p.m.] As Typhoon No. 6 continues to lash Okinawa, forecasters are warning that the storm will track northeast toward western Japan over the next two days, bringing the risk of torrential rain, flooding, landslides, and widespread transport disruptions across much of the Pacific coast.

Prime Minister Takaichi Holds Phone Talks With Iranian President

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 1st, urging Iran to demonstrate maximum flexibility in its ongoing discussions with the United States and expressing hope that an agreement on the nuclear issue can be reached as soon as possible.

Koizumi Rebuts Accusations of 'New Militarism' at Security Forum

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly rejected accusations that Japan is embracing "new militarism," describing such claims as false while delivering a speech at a major regional security conference in Singapore on May 31st.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Former XG Producer SIMON Receives Suspended Sentence Over Cocaine Use

Former XG producer SIMON, whose real name is Junho Sakai, received a suspended prison sentence on June 1st after being convicted of using cocaine.

The Last Chivalrous Commoner - The Renowned Banzui Chōbē (1881)

This week, the explore Kawatake Mokuami's 1881 sewamono drama Kiwametsuki Banzui Chōbē ("The Renowned Banzui Chōbē"), revised in 1891 by his student, Kawatake Shinshichi III. (Kabuki In-Depth)

Beloved 'Crying Teacher' Who Inspired a Hit Drama Passes Away

Ryoji Yamaguchi, the former coach of the Fushimi Technical High School rugby team who led the school to national glory and became known nationwide as the "Crying Teacher," the inspiration for the television drama School Wars, has died at the age of 83.

Japanwave | Tonight with TRNGL | Part. I

Unfinished dreams, midnight errands. Televisions murmuring in the background of a Tokyo hotel in 1990. (TRNGL)

Curtain Falls on Osaka Shochikuza After 103 Years in Dotonbori

Osaka Shochikuza, the historic theater in Osaka's Dotonbori entertainment district, held its final performance on May 26th, bringing down the curtain on 103 years of history as actors and audiences bid an emotional farewell to one of the city's most celebrated cultural landmarks.

The Art of Ichikawa Danjūrō XII

Today, we have a look at the wonderful art of the late actor Ichikawa Danjūrō XII. (Kabuki In-Depth)

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Raised by 10,000 Yen as Memory Chip Costs Surge

Nintendo's game console 'Nintendo Switch 2' will become 10,000 yen more expensive from May 25th.

Tao Okamoto Wins Best Actress at Cannes

Tao Okamoto and French actress Virginie Efira won the Best Actress award at the Cannes International Film Festival, for their performances in Ryusuke Hamaguchi's film 'Suddenly, I Feel Sick', marking the first time a Japanese actress has received the honor.

< 2 3 4 5 >