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The trial of Pierre Taki, 52, a Japanese actor and member of the techno-pop duo Denki Groove, who was arrested in March on suspicion of using cocaine, was held on Wednesday at the Tokyo District Court.
Prosecutors requested a prison term of 18 months for Taki whose real name is Masanori Taki, Fuji TV reported.
Dressed in a black suit, Taki bowed to the presiding judge, gave his name, stated his profession and pleaded guilty to the charge. He told the court he did not have the willpower to stop using drugs and he apologized for causing trouble and worrying so many people.
The hearing lasted only one session and the court will hand down its verdict on June 18. It attracted a large number of spectators, with 1,266 people lining up outside the courtroom from early morning for 21 available seats for the public.
Taki admitted to using cocaine at an apartment in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, in violation of the Narcotics Control Law. On the day of his arrest on March 12, Taki’s urine sample tested positive for cocaine. According to police, the actor-musician said he began using cocaine and marijuana in his 20s.
He was released on 4 million yen bail on April 3.
Taki’s drug scandal impacted his TV, film and music career. Aside from having his contract terminated with Sony Music Artists Inc, music and videos released by Denki Groove have since been pulled for sale. In addition, scenes starring Taki in NHK’s taiga drama series “Itaden” have been cut and his voice as the snowman Olaf in Disney’s upcoming “Frozen 2” has been dropped.
© Japan Today
12 Comments
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Jonorth
Wild.
bogva
That's fair.
Now what happened to the bureaucrat close to the government that used stimulant drugs! Somehow we don't hear any news on that - all the media frenzy goes to pop idols or talento.
Much more serious things if close to the ruling party is covered in quietness very quickly, huh...
Drako
18 Months for Drugs? People get only double that for murder, in Japan.
theResident
They will get their 18 months and it will be promptly suspended. He's not doing any time for a little snort. Just making an example as he is a celebrity,
Cricky
Jail for......nothing damaged, no one hurt. Absolute stupidity to jail somebody for enjoying themselves. If there is a personal problem then professional help would be more appropriate then incarceration.
blue in green
Disney has probably already raked this guy over the coals, professionally.
Jail would serve no purpose other than to kick a man farther into the ground.
Let him do some community service with kids who are going in a bad direction.
Change perspectives for the better.
juminRhee
I guess im a little libertarian in this regard, but punishment should match the crime. There is no mirror punishment for this (e.g. if you kill someone, you'll be killed by state, if you rob someone, you'll have that money/items returned and the same value removed from you), so why is it illegal? Just do what dad's did in the old days with cigarettes. Make him smoke/snort the entire pack til he gets sick of it.
AustPaul
I find it interesting the charge is ‘use’ as opposed to possession. How does one get charged with using? Was he suspected of using then directed to undergo urinalysis which proved the use?
Alex Einz
it means he most likely spilled the beans on where and how he was supplied so got a lesser charge ... expect more news soon i would guess
Strangerland
Daaaaamn. A year and a half of his life for daring to intoxicate himself in a non-approved manner, thereby having unauthorized fun. Lock him up!
macv
Pierre Taki, 52 said he began using cocaine and marijuana in his 20s, 30+ years. Prosecutors requested a prison term of 18 months. Even if he gets the full 18 months which is highly doubtful, it will be a very lenient punishment. Not much of a deterrent IMO