30th place: Manabu Oshio | Failure to aid someone in his custody
Manabu Oshio, an actor and musician known for his role in the TV drama Kunimitsu no Masa, was involved in a scandal in August 2009 when he used the synthetic drug MDMA with a hostess at an apartment in Roppongi Hills. After the woman collapsed and began foaming at the mouth, Oshio fled the scene, leaving her behind unclothed. He was later arrested for violating the Narcotics Control Act and for abandoning someone under his care, receiving a sentence of two years and six months in prison. Throughout the trial, he never offered an apology to the victim’s family. At the time of the incident, he also behaved disgracefully, attempting to place the blame on his manager and run away. It’s believed the hostess might have survived if he had called emergency services promptly.
The location of the incident was reportedly an apartment owned by Mika Noguchi, president of the major lingerie mail-order brand Peach John. Rumors circulated that a well-known politician’s son and a former Olympic swimmer were also present. Though unconfirmed, speculation claims that the politician, fearing a scandal involving his son, paid 200 million yen in hush money via a pachinko industry figure. The politician’s son passed away in an accident about a year later. The case, which entangled several prominent individuals, is considered one of the most disturbing celebrity-related scandals. Despite ongoing suspicions, Oshio was released on parole in December 2014 and later remarried a woman said to resemble Ayako Narumi. He is now reportedly thriving in multiple business ventures, earning even more than during his entertainment career.
29th Place: Akito Wakayama | Murder
Akito Wakayama, a former child actor who portrayed young Kuroda Kanbei in the 2014 taiga drama Kuroda Kanbei, was arrested in May 2024 in connection with the murder of a couple who were company executives living in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture. The couple, who owned several restaurants in Tokyo, had a falling out with their daughter, Takarajima Manami, over business management. Manami reportedly enlisted a man named Sasaki Hikaru—a tout at one of the restaurants—to have her parents killed. Sasaki, in turn, contacted Hirayama Ryoken to mediate, and the murders were ultimately carried out by Wakayama Akito and Kang Kwang-ki, a Korean national.
In total, seven individuals were arrested for the crime, with Wakayama considered a minor yet complicit figure. He is believed to have helped burn the bodies of the victims. At the time of the crime, he was 20 years old and had already left the entertainment world. According to his former agency, he had quit to "focus on soccer." After retiring, he underwent a drastic transformation, adopting a flashier appearance with tattoos and multiple piercings, a far cry from his clean-cut child actor image. Even prior to the crime, he was known for extravagant spending at clubs in Shibuya and was quoted saying, “Money and looks rule the world.” He had earned a significant income during his acting career, which likely skewed his sense of value. For his role in the crime, he received 5 million yen, half of which was shared with Kang Kwang-ki. As of December 2024, a verdict had not yet been reached, but due to the gravity of the case, a life sentence remained a strong possibility. Wakayama Akito threw his future away for money.
28th Place: Ennosuke Ichikawa | Assisted Suicide
Ichikawa Ennosuke, a kabuki and television actor known for roles in The 13 Lords of the Kamakura and Naoki Hanzawa, was arrested in May 2023 for assisting the suicides of his parents. Prior to the incident, weekly magazines had reported allegations of power harassment and sexual misconduct by Ennosuke toward his kabuki colleagues. Following these reports, he attempted to die by suicide alongside his family. His parents died of psychotropic drug poisoning, while Ennosuke survived after being hospitalized.
When they learned that an exposé was going to be published, Ennosuke reportedly said, “My family talked about dying and being reborn, and they took sleeping pills.” He also took sleeping pills and tried to suffocate himself with plastic, but did not succeed. He was later arrested for aiding suicide and, in November, received a sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years.
Although the sentence is final, many find the entire case difficult to believe. His father reportedly had mild dementia, raising doubts about whether he consented to the suicide. No notes were left by either parent, leaving Ennosuke the only one who knows what truly happened. After the drugs took effect, he reportedly covered their faces with plastic bags—an action that some interpret as an attempt to destroy evidence. As of 2024, Ennosuke remains in the same home where the deaths occurred, living with his Shiba Inu. Though he expressed interest in returning to work, public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many saying the harassment allegations are being ignored and that the act was closer to murder, warranting jail time.
27th Place: ASKA | Stimulant Use
ASKA, formerly part of the music duo "CHAGE & ASKA," was arrested in 2014 for stimulant drug use and received a three-year prison sentence suspended for four years. At the time, his mistress Kasumi Utsuno, who was also using stimulants, was arrested alongside him. During questioning, ASKA showed more concern for her than his family, highlighting the depth of his addiction. Utsuno, who reportedly captivated the famous musician quickly, was his mistress for a decade and often visited his apartment, where they engaged in sexual activities while using stimulants.
ASKA’s wife remained supportive even after his arrest. However, in January 2016, ASKA shocked her by posting on his blog claims of being a victim of group voyeurism and wiretapping. Following this, the couple divorced. ASKA was arrested again but tampered with his urine sample by diluting it with tea, and because investigators failed to monitor his urine collection, there was insufficient evidence, and no charges were filed. He later stated, “If I had been caught, I would have taken a proper urine test.” After completing his suspended sentence, ASKA resumed his music career, touring and appearing at the FNS Music Festival for two years in a row since 2022. However, in 2019, a report revealed he was semi-living with Kasumi Utsuno, suggesting their relationship continues.
26th Place: Tetsuya Komuro | Copyright Fraud
Tetsuya Komuro, a prominent composer known for many 1990s hits, was arrested in 2008 for copyright fraud. The case centered on him selling copyrights to private investors without actually owning some of the rights. He received a three-year prison sentence, suspended for five years. After his career decline around 1998, Komuro’s debts ballooned to 7 billion yen due to a failed Hong Kong business and lavish spending. In response, he proposed selling copyrights to an investor in the Kansai region.
However, most copyrights belonged to music publishers, and the investor paid 500 million yen upfront but never got a refund, prompting a police report. Komuro admitted his financial struggles and said he felt “relieved” after his arrest. Beyond the fraud, Komuro has faced multiple scandals involving women. In 2018, an affair with a nurse was revealed, leading to a brief retirement from music. Despite this, he returned in 2020. By 2023, he reportedly owed around 300 million yen to Waihau Inc., a software development firm where he served as a director. Komuro is said to rely on the company to support his music career but carries large debts, including alimony payments to his ex-wife Keiko. Doubts remain about his ability to repay what he owes Waihau.
25th Place: Pierre Taki | Violation of the Drug Control Law
Pierre Taki, a member of the techno group Denki Groove, was arrested in 2019 for violating the Narcotics Control Act due to cocaine use. He admitted to using the drug since his twenties as a way to cope with stress. He received a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years. Following his arrest, his wife reportedly asked a woman named Tasaka—who had been supplying Taki with drugs since 2011—to dispose of the evidence. Tasaka later testified that she destroyed a convenience store bag containing the drugs after receiving it from Taki's wife.
Tasaka herself was convicted for providing cocaine to Taki and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, with the sentence suspended for four years. While some criticized Taki’s wife for allegedly helping to cover up the crime, online rumors also circulated claiming she may have been the one to report him, though this remains unconfirmed. After completing his suspended sentence in 2023, Pierre Taki returned to show business. He has since been active in both music and acting. In 2024, he appeared in the Netflix series Jikan Sashi as a lawyer involved in a land fraud ring, drawing attention for his exaggerated Kansai dialect.
24th Place: Junya Ikeda | Special Fraud
Junya Ikeda, known for his role as Gokai Silver in Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger (2011), was arrested in 2023 for special fraud. Disguised as a police officer, he participated in a scheme to steal a victim’s cash card and withdraw money. His agency canceled his contract the day after his arrest. According to police, Ikeda and his accomplices called a man in Koto Ward pretending to be law enforcement, then used the stolen card to withdraw funds.
While in custody, Ikeda posted a handwritten letter to X—not to apologize to the victim, but to express his loneliness in detention and to ask fans for letters of support. He even requested they visit him before he officially became a prisoner.
Unsurprisingly, his post drew backlash online.
“Shouldn’t he be thinking about the victim first? Post something like this after serving time.”
“How can someone who committed fraud tell fans, ‘Wait for me’?”
These were just some of the harsh reactions. After the incident, reports of Ikeda’s past bullying and arrogant behavior as a rookie surfaced, causing his already small fanbase to dwindle. He was sentenced to three years in prison and is currently serving his term as of December 2024. A return to the entertainment world appears highly unlikely.
23rd Place: Junnosuke Taguchi | Cannabis Possession
Junnosuke Taguchi, a former member of KAT-TUN, was arrested in 2019 for violating the Cannabis Control Act. His girlfriend, Rena Komine, was also arrested at the same time. Both admitted to using cannabis regularly for over a decade. Komine reportedly began using it due to the emotional stress she experienced in her relationship with Taguchi, especially after struggling with depression that medication failed to treat. Taguchi also turned to marijuana as a way to cope with personal and relationship-related stress.
“I didn’t think it was such a big deal.” “I had already left the agency, so I didn’t think anyone would notice.”
These were some of his remarks.
Both Taguchi and Komine received six-month prison sentences, suspended for two years. During the trial, Komine made headlines by proposing to Taguchi publicly, but he never followed through with marriage. They continued living together until 2022, but in 2023, Komine reportedly moved back to her hometown. Since receiving his suspended sentence, Taguchi has reinvented himself—as a professional mahjong player, an actor in a Thai BL drama, and in 2024, the owner of a bistro café called “Junno’s Table.”
Although he's enjoying a steady comeback, there have been signs in 2025 that he may have rekindled his relationship with Komine. While they are not married, it appears they could still be together.
22nd Place: Kenichi Takahashi | Theft
Kenichi Takahashi, the straight man of the comedy duo "King of Comedy," was arrested in 2016 for breaking into a Tokyo high school and stealing girls' uniforms and gym clothes. A search of his home uncovered around 600 such items. Investigations revealed that Takahashi had been committing similar offenses for about 20 years. He received a prison sentence of two years and six months, suspended for four years.
Although he wasn't indicted in a 2007 molestation case, suspicion surrounding his behavior resurfaced. His criminal actions are believed to have been influenced by personal trauma—his mother took her own life in 1997 after battling a terminal illness. Those close to him noted a shift in his personality following her death. At the time of his arrest, he reportedly said, “After my mother committed suicide.”
Following the incident, the comedy duo disbanded, and Takahashi retired from the entertainment world. He now works at a video production company through a friend's referral. His former partner, Konno Hiroki, has largely stepped away from comedy as well and is now active as a supporting actor in various TV dramas.
21st Place: Hitomi Yoshizawa | Drunk Driving and Hit-and-Run
Hitomi Yoshizawa, former leader of Morning Musume, was involved in a drunk driving and hit-and-run accident in September 2018. She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for five years. The public was deeply shocked, especially since she had lost her younger brother in a traffic accident in 2007. According to the indictment, Yoshizawa ran a red light in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, driving at 86 km/h. She hit a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s who were crossing the street, injuring both, and fled the scene. She called 110 and was arrested 15 minutes later. A breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol level was four times the legal limit.
Following the accident, she retired from the entertainment world. During the trial, it was revealed that she struggled with alcoholism. At the time of the incident, she reportedly drank three 350ml cans of chuhai and two 100ml glasses of shochu mixed with soda. Compensation for the injured parties was estimated at 30 to 60 million yen.
Since 2019, Yoshizawa had been working at a stretching salon, but she became a full-time housewife in 2022. She married an IT company executive in 2015 and appears to be financially stable. Although her suspended sentence ended in December 2023 and she has reportedly expressed interest in returning to show business, no concrete news of a comeback has emerged.
20th Place: Erika Sawajiri | Drug Possession
Erika Sawajiri, an actress known for her role in the TV drama 1 Litre of Tears, was arrested in November 2019 for possession of synthetic drugs. She was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years. She had been using various drugs since age 19, around the time she starred in 1 Litre of Tears. Rumors of her problematic behavior circulated within the entertainment world, and she was once seen dancing in clubs. Sawajiri was in an eight-year relationship with fashion designer NAOKI, who was arrested for drugs the day after her arrest.
They met at a club, quickly connected, and started dating. The couple lived with her mother and were reportedly close to marriage. To overcome her drug addiction, she ended her relationships and broke up with NAOKI. After completing her sentence in February 2024, Sawajiri is set to return to acting with a stage production of A Streetcar Named Desire. Though she won’t be appearing on television yet, she remains under contract with Avex Management. Many continue to praise her talent, suggesting a TV comeback may be on the horizon.
19th Place: Kotaro Satomi | Violation of the Swords and Firearms Control Law
Kotaro Satomi, known for his roles in period dramas like Mito Komon, was arrested in 1965 along with fellow actor Shingo Yamashiro for violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law. The two had purchased pistols while on tour in Hawaii and smuggled them back into Japan. After returning, Satomi became nervous and handed his gun over to Yamashiro, who then passed his own firearm to a senior member of a yakuza group. At the time, ties between the entertainment world and the Yamaguchi-gumi were under police scrutiny, which led to their arrests.
Each gun was reportedly bought for $50 in Honolulu, equivalent to about 18,000 yen at the time due to the 360 yen per dollar exchange rate. They brought the firearms back in their suitcases. Satomi, known as an honor student, faced major public backlash following the incident. He received a sentence of eight months in prison, suspended for three years. The scandal contributed to the later introduction of metal detectors at airports. Despite the controversy, Kotaro Satomi remained in the entertainment industry and went on to become a well-known actor.
18th Place: Garcy (Yoshikazu Higashitani) | Intimidation
Yoshikazu Higashitani, also known as Garcy, began exposing celebrity scandals in April 2022 as an "exposer YouTuber." He started doing this to cope with debts caused by excessive gambling, reportedly spending up to 1 million yen daily. His debts eventually surpassed 500 million yen. Although he was elected to the House of Councillors in July 2022, he was expelled and lost his seat in March 2023. In March 2024, he received a three-year prison sentence, suspended for five years. While many were affected by his exposés, only three individuals, including actor Go Ayano, filed criminal charges.
Despite repeated requests from the Second Investigation Division for voluntary questioning, Garcy refused and continued uploading threatening videos. This led to him being placed on an international wanted list. He had a Dubai Golden Visa and seemed confident he would avoid arrest, but after authorities searched his parents' home in March 2023, his tone changed. Three months later, he was arrested and brought back to Japan. During the search, he posted a tearful video begging, "Please spare me, Mom." He later stated during questioning, "I never want to do another video stream again."
Although he is no longer active in entertainment, Garcy remains connected to the industry. In December, he posted about partying with Shinsuke Shimada and Taka from ONE OK ROCK. In 2025, he announced plans to become a rakugo performer under the name "Toushotei Garcy."
17th Place: Hideo Sakaki | Suspected of Attempted Rape
Although Sakaki denies that the encounters were forced, several victims have come forward. One described being trapped in a confined space and coerced into performing oral sex, and when she resisted, she was threatened with death. A common thread is that he targeted women seeking acting roles, using the guise of offering instruction. As of 2025, his trial continues while he maintains his innocence, claiming, "I never abused my position as a supervisor, and it wasn’t one-sided." He also questioned the timing of the accusations and showed little remorse. While the verdict remains pending, the combined sentences from multiple charges could result in a substantial prison term.
Although Sakaki denies that the encounters were forced, several victims have come forward. One described being trapped in a confined space and coerced into performing oral sex, and when she resisted, she was threatened with death. A common thread is that he targeted women seeking acting roles, using the guise of offering instruction. As of 2025, his trial continues while he maintains his innocence, claiming, "I never abused my position as a supervisor, and it wasn’t one-sided." He also questioned the timing of the accusations and showed little remorse. While the verdict remains pending, the combined sentences from multiple charges could result in a substantial prison term.
16th Place : Beat Takeshi | Assault
Beat Takeshi is known for having two distinct personas: one as a comedian and the other as a film director. In 1986, he and his group, called the Takeshi Army, launched an attack on Kodansha’s weekly photo magazine, Friday. For this action, he received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The incident began when a Friday reporter abruptly confronted a woman involved romantically with Takeshi, aggressively pressing a tape recorder into her face and pulling her arm, which resulted in a sprained neck and other injuries that took two weeks to heal. Enraged, Takeshi contacted Kodansha.
He and his group declared, "Let’s go now," and charged into the magazine’s editorial office, which escalated into a violent confrontation. What started as a protest turned chaotic after the editorial staff provoked them; the Takeshi Army sprayed fire extinguishers around the room and struck the editor-in-chief and others with umbrellas, inflicting serious injuries, including broken ribs. Many view this event as a pivotal moment in the evolution of aggressive reporting by weekly magazines, which focused heavily on capturing “decisive moments.” After serving his suspension, Takeshi returned to the entertainment world. By 1988, a friendly amateur baseball game took place at Jingu Stadium involving the Friday staff, during which a settlement was reached.
15th place: Hijiri Tanaka | Breach of the Cannabis Control Act
Koki Tanaka, formerly part of the idol group KAT-TUN, has faced multiple arrests related to drug offenses since 2017. By 2024, he had been detained seven times, each arrest drawing disappointment from his fans. His first arrest occurred in 2017 for marijuana possession in Shibuya Ward. According to a woman he was dating, he continued engaging in sexual activity while using drugs. He initially used marijuana but later switched to cocaine, even asking women if any would pay 100,000 yen to meet him.
The woman, who witnessed his behavior firsthand, predicted, “He’ll probably be arrested again.” His latest arrest came in February 2024 for possession of a liquid containing THCH. This substance became regulated in August 2023, though Tanaka was unaware of the new restrictions. Just nine days after his sentencing, he was arrested again on drug charges. As of 2023, he was out on bail, but his suspended sentence was revoked, resulting in a prison term of two years and eight months. Even after serving his time, returning to the entertainment world will likely be challenging for him.
14th place: Masashi Tashiro | Possession of Stimulant Drugs
Masashi Tashiro, a comedian and member of the vocal group Rats & Star, has been arrested eight times by 2025. His first arrest came in 2000 for photographing women’s underwear, resulting in a summary fine of 50,000 yen. Although he briefly returned to the entertainment scene, in 2001 he was caught peeping into a neighbor’s bath and was also found using stimulant drugs. He received a two-year prison sentence with three years probation. The unpublished photos linked to this arrest reportedly caused damages worth 80 million yen.
In 2004, he was arrested once more for stimulant use and sentenced to three years and six months in prison. His third arrest occurred in 2010 for drug use, again leading to a three-and-a-half-year prison term. People close to him noted that just before his arrest, Tashiro was speaking unclearly and behaving oddly. After serving time for his fourth methamphetamine offense, he was released in October 2022. Years of repeated arrests caused many supporters to abandon him, and his television appearances dwindled. Currently, he focuses on YouTube and works with DARC, an organization supporting drug rehabilitation. He is reportedly preparing for a TV comeback in 2025, drawing renewed public interest.
13th place: Ikuko Mouri | Homicide
Ikuko Mori was an actress known as a trailblazer in the "glamour actress" genre during the 1950s. In 1973, she was arrested for fatally stabbing her boyfriend—who was married with children—using a kitchen knife. At the time, she had a three-year-old son with this man, as well as two children from a previous relationship. The murder occurred after her boyfriend brought up the subject of breaking up. In response, she grabbed a knife to make her feelings clear, but when he challenged her with, "Go ahead and do it if you can," she carried out the attack.
She was 36 years old then. This incident was notable as the first murder case involving an active actor. Shortly afterward, a film she starred in called The Secret Record of the Strange Cat became a major hit. Mori was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after serving three years due to good behavior. Following her release, she left the entertainment industry and reportedly worked at a club in Tokyo. If still alive in 2024, she would be 91 years old, though no recent information is available about her current whereabouts. Likewise, the whereabouts of her three sons remain unknown—could they be living quietly somewhere?
12th place: Shigeru Katsumi | Homicide
Shigeru Katsumi was a singer who gained recognition with his song "Sasurai" at the 1965 Red and White Song Festival. In 1976, he was arrested for the murder of his mistress and received a 10-year prison sentence. He had lied about being divorced from his wife, who had given him a large sum of money, and committed the crime out of fear that his affair would be exposed. During the 1970s, Katsumi was heavily in debt and was involved with a Ginza hostess who repaid 10 million yen on his behalf. Pressured into marriage, he even entered into a sham marriage with her.
In 1975, as he eyed another chance at a hit, Katsumi strangled his mistress to prevent his agency from discovering the affair. He left her body in his car trunk while heading to work, but was arrested just two days later. Although sentenced to 10 years, he was released after seven years for good behavior. Afterwards, he ran a karaoke bar, but in 1989 he was sentenced to eight months for stimulant drug use. By the 2000s, he had made more frequent TV appearances before passing away in 2013 at age 75.
11th place: Kenji Haga | Fraud (Undisclosed Details)
Kenji Haga was an actor and entertainer who had a diverse career across multiple fields. In 2007, he was arrested for fraud after being accused of selling unlisted stocks at concealed prices to avoid repaying debts. Although he was initially acquitted, it was later revealed that his key testimony had been false, leading to a six-year prison sentence in 2011. Meanwhile, his civil case continued, and in 2016, he was ordered to repay 400 million yen to the victim. He had transferred ownership of 16 properties to his ex-wife as part of a supposed divorce, but this was ruled a sham meant to hide assets. As a result, he received an additional sentence of one year and two months, which he served in Okinawa Prison.
In 2024, Haga was arrested again, this time for falsifying real estate registrations to prevent asset seizure. Although prosecutors chose not to indict him, the case had a significant social impact. Of the seven people arrested, six—excluding Haga—were confirmed members of the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate. While serving his sentence from the 2011 conviction, Haga reportedly resented being called a yakuza instead of a celebrity and claimed he wanted to cut ties with organized crime, though he has yet to follow through. As of 2025, he has transitioned into hosting and has appeared on Abema TV, but any meaningful comeback in show business seems highly unlikely.
10th place: Hirofumi Arai | Sexual Assault
Hirofumi Arai is an actor who earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in the 2015 film 100 Yen Love. In February 2018, he was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a woman who had come to his home to provide a massage. Although he insisted the encounter was consensual, the court found otherwise, sentencing him to four years in prison. The woman, who was dispatched by a massage service, was not dressed in a suggestive way. During the session, Arai requested inappropriate contact and ultimately forced her into sex.
Arai maintained his innocence, claiming he misinterpreted the woman’s reactions and believed she was willing. He initially offered her a 20 million yen settlement, which was rejected. In the end, he agreed to pay 3 million yen in compensation as part of the legal resolution. At the time of the incident, Arai had a successful acting career with over 130 credits, but many of his projects were pulled from broadcast or release after the arrest. He was granted parole in July 2024 and was later seen attending a Dragon Ash concert. When asked about returning to acting, he commented, “If I want to go back, I will. If not, then that’s that,” indicating unresolved feelings about his career. Known for playing intense and unhinged characters, Arai’s real-life behavior has severely tarnished his image, leaving his future in the industry uncertain.
9th place: Issei Ishida | Violation of the Cannabis Control Act
Issei Ishida, an actor and musician and the son of actor Junichi Ishida, was arrested in 2001 for possession of marijuana and LSD. He received a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years. Ishida claimed he had been drinking at a club when a stranger handed him marijuana, and he was arrested by police the following day. The arrest had a major impact on his career—he was removed from the stage play Oedo Rocket, several of his projects were canceled, and he was required to pay tens of millions of yen in compensation. He remained suspended from showbiz for two years, returning in 2003.
In 2009, he was dropped by his agency after a cheating scandal in which he allegedly pressured a partner to have an abortion. He reappeared on variety shows in 2012, and although he married for the third time in 2018, the marriage ended in divorce in 2021. Ishida has continued to make headlines with various controversies. In 2022, he claimed on television that the 2001 marijuana incident was part of a conspiracy to bring him down, alleging that the drugs were given to him as a "gift" from a stranger, and that it was tied to a power struggle between major entertainment agencies.
He also said he confessed under pressure from aggressive questioning by investigators—though this version of events is difficult to verify. Notably, the program did not mention that LSD had also been found in his home. Around the same time, a member of Ishida’s band was also arrested for marijuana possession, and inconsistencies in Ishida's story have since been pointed out.
8th place: Kenichi Mikawa | Violation of the Cannabis Control Act
Kenichi Mikawa, known for hit songs like Scorpio Woman, was arrested for marijuana possession twice—first in 1977 and again in 1984. After the initial arrest, he received a suspended sentence. However, the second offense resulted in a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years. In 1984, police began investigating him following a tip that he had been smoking marijuana. During a search, authorities discovered two marijuana cigarettes in his purse and an additional 4 grams at his home. A urine test also indicated stimulant use, dealing a serious blow to his efforts at a comeback.
Although Mikawa eventually returned to the entertainment industry, the damage to his public image caused his popularity to decline. However, a turning point came when his impersonation of comedian Korokke gained traction, leading to his return to the Red and White Song Festival in 1991. There, he performed Scorpio no Onna in a duet with Korokke, who had also faced marijuana-related charges. Mikawa later reinvented herself as a television commentator. In 2024, she marked the 60th anniversary of her debut and expressed a lifelong commitment to performing, saying, “Even if I need a cane, I’ll sing as long as I have a voice.” As of 2025, she appears to have left marijuana and stimulants behind for good.
7th place: Kentaro Shimizu | Violation of the Stimulants Control Act
Kentaro Shimizu is a singer and actor who rose to fame through the TV drama Shitsuren Restaurant. Between 1983 and 2013, he was arrested eight times for drug-related offenses and other incidents. His troubled history includes a fatal traffic accident during his university years, a hit-and-run in 2008, and another car accident in 2015. Due to his repeated offenses, he received a series of prison sentences: one year with four years’ probation in 1986, one year and six months in 1994, two years and four months in 2004, seven months in 2009 for the hit-and-run, and one year and ten months in 2010. No other celebrity has received as many consecutive prison terms.
After serving his first sentence in the 1990s, Shimizu struggled to find work and took a job as a part-time dishwasher. In 1994, however, he landed a breakout role as a gang leader—a character that fit his image perfectly—and earned the nickname “King of V-Cinema.” But his momentum was cut short again in 2004 when he was arrested for methamphetamine use. Following his release, no talent agency was willing to represent him. His most recent arrest occurred in 2013 for possession of the synthetic drug a-PVP, though he avoided indictment after claiming he didn’t know the substance was illegal.
Since then, Shimizu has had no further legal troubles. However, as of 2025, he remains largely inactive in the entertainment industry, only appearing occasionally in special roles.
6th place: Yuki Goto | Robbery and Assault
Yuki Goto, a former member of EE JUMP and younger brother of Maki Goto, was arrested in 2007 for breaking into a construction site and stealing copper wire to resell. He committed the theft multiple times and also assaulted a security guard during the crimes. In 2008, he was sentenced to five years and six months in prison and was released in 2012. At the time of the incident, he was just 21. His problematic behavior dated back to childhood—he set a classroom on fire in fifth grade and stole a motorcycle in sixth grade.
Even after debuting as an idol, he gained a reputation as a troublemaker. In 2001, at the age of 15, he physically assaulted his female manager and was suspended for three months. A year later, he was caught drinking heavily at a cabaret club, an incident photographed and published by Friday magazine. His string of scandals—including the drinking incident that led to his retirement from the entertainment world—cemented his image as a “notorious bad boy.” After serving his sentence, Goto lived a quieter life, writing a column about tattoos and staying out of the spotlight until making a surprising return to show business in 2022. In 2023, he was elected as a Yachimata City Council member, marking yet another dramatic turn in his eventful life.
5th place: Kazuhiro Kiyohara | Violation of the Stimulants Control Act
Kazuhiro Kiyohara, a former professional baseball player for the Seibu Lions and Yomiuri Giants, was the subject of drug use allegations first reported by Shukan Bunshun in March 2014. The story was quickly picked up by other weekly publications, and by February 2016, he was arrested by police. Kiyohara received a sentence of two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years. His drug use reportedly began in 1996 during his time with the Seibu Lions, when he unknowingly took pills known as "Greenies"—a type of stimulant that was popular among athletes at the time.
Overwhelmed by the pressure of his baseball career, Kiyohara’s drug use escalated and continued for nearly two decades. Although he temporarily quit following the initial media exposure, he struggled emotionally due to isolation from his former baseball peers. His drug use intensified around the time of his divorce, and he began associating with individuals involved in drugs and organized crime—often boasting about these ties.
After his suspended sentence ended in 2020, Kiyohara gradually returned to public life, making appearances on YouTube and in commercials. While he remained banned from professional baseball for some time, he visited the Chunichi Dragons' first-team training camp in 2022, signaling a possible re-engagement with the sport.
4th place: Takafumi Horie | Violation of the Securities and Exchange Act
Takafumi Horie, a well-known entrepreneur and media personality, was the CEO of the internet company Livedoor. In 2006, he was arrested for submitting false information in securities reports, a violation of the Securities and Exchange Act. Though released on bail, his legal battles continued until 2011, when he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. The case, widely known as the “Livedoor Incident,” also led to the arrest of several other Livedoor executives.
Just two days after authorities raided Livedoor’s offices, Hideaki Noguchi, a key figure in the company’s management, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Okinawa. Although his death was officially ruled a suicide, many remain skeptical. Noguchi had no clear ties to Okinawa, and no autopsy was conducted. Additionally, the knife allegedly used in his death reportedly had no fingerprints, further fueling suspicions.
Noguchi’s death left several questions unanswered, particularly regarding possible embezzlement and breach of trust involving Livedoor’s leadership, including Horie. While the false reporting was considered malicious, some critics argued that Horie’s sentence was unusually harsh and intended to make an example of him. Since completing his sentence, Horie has remained highly active, founding 7gogo Inc., launching a YouTube channel, and continuing his work in various business ventures. Once listed among Japan’s wealthiest individuals during his Livedoor days, he reportedly lost much of his fortune after the scandal—but is still believed to earn hundreds of millions of yen annually.
3rd place: Noriko Sakai | Drug Possession
Noriko Sakai, affectionately known as “Noripii,” is an actress and singer who was arrested in 2009 alongside her husband for violating the Stimulants Control Act. She received a sentence of one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years. The couple was apprehended in a car in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, but Sakai initially refused to cooperate with police and fled the scene. Taking her belongings, she disappeared for five days, reportedly staying with acquaintances in an attempt to detox before eventually turning herself in.
During the investigation, Sakai admitted to using stimulants around ten times, although the exact timeframe of her drug use remains unclear. Within the entertainment industry, it had been noted that she often attended late-night parties with her husband over a two-year span and had performed with unusually high energy. She made her return to show business in 2012 and went on to establish her own talent agency, Smile Co., Ltd., in 2021.
However, her ex-husband was arrested once again in 2020—his third arrest that year—for possession of stimulants. As a result, public suspicion toward Sakai has lingered, with some social media users speculating about her appearance. Despite this, she has steadily rebuilt her career through events like dinner shows. There is hope she will continue to remain drug-free and distance herself from the influences of her past.
2nd place: Hiroshi Ogawa | Homicide
Hiroshi Ogawa, a former professional baseball player with the Lotte Marines, was arrested in November 2004 for the murder of a housekeeper. The incident occurred after Ogawa, struggling financially, was denied a loan by the company president where he worked. In a fit of rage, he killed the housekeeper and fled with 1.75 million yen in cash. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2006 and is currently serving his sentence in Chiba Prison.
Once a standout player at Koshien—where he appeared three times and earned the nickname "Gunma's Tamasaburo" for his striking looks—Ogawa was a second-round draft pick for the Lotte Marines and enjoyed a successful playing career. After retiring, he worked as a training coach for the same team. However, mounting debts led to his dismissal. By 2002, he owed over 17.5 million yen due to child support, gambling, and failed investments. After filing for bankruptcy in 2003, he remarried and lived with his new family, but again fell into debt. When he visited the company president’s home seeking help, the housekeeper turned him away. Ogawa assaulted her, stole money, and later disposed of her unconscious body in a river, resulting in her death. Fellow inmates have reportedly said that Ogawa’s appearance has drastically changed in prison, with him now being nearly unrecognizable.
1st place: Kazutaka Nishikawa | Murder
Kazutaka Nishikawa, once a well-known child actor, portrayed Daigoro, the son of the protagonist in the 1973 film Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades. His life took a dark turn when he was arrested in 1999 for murdering a financier and was sentenced to life in prison the following year. After finishing high school, he left the entertainment industry and opened a swimming school. However, due to his gambling addiction, he fell into severe financial hardship. In 1995, he became a city council member in Shirone, Niigata Prefecture, but his poor attendance and tardiness led him to step down in 1999.
Following his resignation, Nishikawa sold his swimming school, opened a mahjong parlor, and launched ramen restaurants overseas—none of which succeeded. In a desperate move, he broke into the home of a financial backer, murdered him, and enlisted the help of a mahjong parlor employee to dispose of the body. He also stole around 5 million yen in cash before fleeing abroad. Two days after the crime, the employee was arrested and confessed that Nishikawa was responsible for the murder. He was soon placed on an international wanted list, apprehended in Thailand, and extradited to Japan. In 2000, he received a life sentence.
Once beloved as a child star, Nishikawa’s downfall has drawn comparisons to fellow former actor Yoto Wakayama, who also committed murder. As of 2025, Nishikawa is 58 years old and remains behind bars, with little chance of parole.