1-yr imprisonment sought for ex-Japan volleyball player over cannabis

Prosecutors on Friday sought a one-year prison sentence for former Japan men’s national volleyball team player Shunichiro Sato over possession of cannabis, an allegation he admitted in court.

Sato, 26, possessed 0.831 grams of dried cannabis at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo on May 27, according to the indictment. In his trial at the Tokyo District Court, he said his action was due to his “own weakness.” His lawyers sought a suspended sentence.

He visited the parlor with his teammates during free time while the national squad was holding a training camp. He left a bag there, and the cannabis was later found inside. Police arrested him the following day.

A native of Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, Sato played for Wolfdogs Nagoya in Japan’s SV.League during the 2025-26 season.

Following his arrest, he was removed from the national team roster, and Wolfdogs Nagoya terminated his contract.

Sato said during the trial he had stayed away from cannabis during the season but used it while “letting loose” during extended breaks.

Prosecutors said he started using cannabis in his first or second year at university and continued to use it occasionally. In May, shortly before his arrest, he repeatedly bought cannabis online from a dealer.

The court is scheduled to hand down its ruling next Friday.

© KYODO