2-year sentence sought for Japanese singer Makihara in drug case

2 years for a drug that makes you a little dizzy.

Suspended sentence for murdering your child.

somethings not right

"(Makihara) created great songs of all times. I don't understand why he touched drugs again," said Yoshitaka Hirayama, 48

No one on drugs has ever created great music right?

Japan is way too draconian with its outdated drug laws. 2 years is too harsh a sentence for possession of the tiniest amount of a low class drug.

You can also look at what happened to Pierre Taki of Denki Groove last year where they went as far as removing all of his bands music from sale in music shops. Harsh prison sentences apparently aren't enough. They also have to dismantle your career and erase you from existence.

adding he has not taken any illicit substances for several years

He is accused of possessing less than a milligram in his shared apartment, that was probably some remains forgotten long years ago.

2 years sentence is abusive.

With that being said, I repeat :

There are 2 different justice systems in Japan. One for regular people and another advantageous and privileged justice system for the rich, famous and political people.

The legacy of SMAP will now always be tarnished. Fans, or probably ex-fans now, will be wondering if their favourite songs were written under the influence of these evil drugs.

Or maybe nobody will care..... :)

Sad. This is a health issue, not a criminal issue.

2 years? I reread the story, I still can't find the bit where he stole and was violent?, An adult choice should not be punished, his use didn't even affect his career. He is a musician so he should have a music box big enough...use it man flee.

With that being said, I repeat :

There are 2 different justice systems in Japan.

How about in other parts of the world?

Oh, he'll get a suspended sentence . Japanese so- called celebrities rarely get a prison sentence.

People in power who make and enforce laws to restrict individual freedoms have no sense of proportion because "control" is the only object of their legislation. The 20th and 21st century fake "war against drugs" will be viewed by future historians as an egregious example of state terrorism that ruined the lives of countless individuals who could have been saved by medical interventions..

What was the other stimulant? Meth? Coke? Why so coy about the thing that might actually be dangerous but give the brand name of the harmless one?

Recreational drugs are used by almost every part of society. Home parties with cocktails, beer for dinner, Shochu at the izakaya

Using Rush for 30 years? What a loser!

Like it or not recreational drugs are a part of how entertainers socialize as organized crime is deeply embedded in show business.

In 1999, Makihara was arrested for stimulant possession and later given an 18-month jail term, suspended for three years.

Why is this news again? We all know that he's a celebrity and he will get another suspended sentence because....

(Makihara) created great songs of all times

@Do the hustleToday 

"Using Rush for 30 years? What a loser!"

He'll probably come down with parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, dementia and alzheimer, later.

Oh dear! Could it be that some people here are encouraging a crime? Oh believe me, I too think this is all very ridiculous and every person behind it belongs nowhere near government or police forces. I think since there is no victim there is no crime. I think artists using recreational drugs is not an aberration but a norm.

But it is an interesting double standard because if I suggested civil disobedience with regard to other "crimes" I could expect swift punishment. If the internet existed 60 years ago this would be one of them. The only political constant seems to be flip-flopping on issues.

""Makihara kept about 3.5 milliliters of Rush in February this year at his home in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward. He also allegedly had about 0.083 gram of the illegal stimulant drug as well as about 64.2 milliliters of Rush in his possession between March and April 2018 at his condominium in the capital's Minato Ward."

ok, they must have been just souvenirs..."

"I don't understand why he touched drugs again"

Because he's a recovering addict.

" pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of illegal drugs" welcome to the criminal world.

Like it or not recreational drugs are a part of how entertainers socialize as organized crime is deeply embedded in show business.

Same goes for just about any career field, including the squeaky clean Politicians.

Addiction is a health issue. Putting someone in prison won't "cure" their addiction. I know, Japan is just following the law and no politician has the guts or the interest to change any law that the population might question.

Using Rush for 30 years? What a loser!

bokuda - Stop making assumptions

What assumptions? It’s written in the article. Anybody who uses Rush for thirty years is a loser. No assumption there either.

"He is accused of possessing less than a milligram in his shared apartment, that was probably some remains forgotten long years ago."

Sucker..

J-land thinks it can keep bending the rules like america, and escape asperity, watch the weather.

Makihara was released on 5 million yen bail in March, two days after he was charged.

SirBently Stated:

There are 2 different justice systems in Japan. One for regular people and another advantageous and privileged justice system for the rich, famous and political people.

Unless you are someone like THIS guy, you’re not even ALLOWED to have BAIL, yet he’s OUT, two days after arrest.

"(Makihara) created great songs of all times. I don't understand why he touched drugs again," said Yoshitaka Hirayama, 48, who came with his wife from Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo. "I want to listen to his own words as there are many drug scandals in show business."

> Where the heck do you think he got the motivation to write those "great songs" you love Mr.Hirayama? #Oblivious

There are 2 different justice systems in Japan. One for regular people and another advantageous and privileged justice system for the rich, famous and political people.

What special treatment has he received that normal people wouldn’t.

How did he get caught?

Wow. That's a lot of downvotes. I guess those projections of 60 million in Japan in 50 years are on target.

"I am sorry for all my fans," Makihara said,

I'm sure the two of them will get over it quick.

he has not taken any illicit substances for several years and cut ties with his former dealer. "I feel happy enough even without using drugs."

ok, did you want a cookie for that feeling?

His defense lawyer said Makihara had remained in possession of drugs only because he had yet to dispose of them.

Good one! WOW! Was that actually used in the court of law?

Rush enhances sex. This is the same government that keeps whining about people not making enough Japanese babies - you would think they should be handing this stuff out for free, not banning it.

Using Rush for 30 years? What a loser!

Stop making assumptions.

Makihara stated that he didn't do any drugs for years, we must believe him.

If that's a lie, there must be a prove of evidence or we must respect the presumption off innocence.