Amid Affair Scandal Former Jungle Pocket Saito Still Appears TV Staff Disappointment
On October 7, Shinji Saito (41), a former member of *Jungle Pocket*, was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of non-consensual intercourse and non-consensual indecency. Yoshimoto Kogyo, the talent agency he was affiliated with, announced the termination of his contract on the same day the allegations became public.
The victim issued a statement through her lawyer on the 9th, stating:
“I suffered sexual harm from Mr. Saito in July of this year. I have been deeply wounded both physically and mentally. The pain has not yet healed.”
“Furthermore, despite it being our first meeting and occurring in a location bus early in the morning, comments suggesting ‘there was consent’ from Mr. Saito’s family, which imply that I am at fault, have exacerbated the situation. The police have referred this case to prosecutors after conducting a thorough investigation.”
He could face more than five years in prison.
Saori Seto (36), the wife of Saito and a TV personality, was quick to announce on Instagram that “there was also consent from the woman.” The post remains on her account. Although she defended her husband by asserting it wasn’t non-consensual sexual assault, this has been directly denied by the alleged victim.
It seems unlikely that a woman meeting Saito for the first time would engage in such conduct in the location bus, but verification of these details is now in the hands of the police investigation.
“The victim seemed to have gone to the police with considerable resolve and has stated, ‘I absolutely cannot forgive this,’ so a settlement might be difficult.”
Commented a reporter from the TV station’s social affairs department.
“If prosecuted, non-consensual intercourse is a serious crime punishable by a prison sentence of at least five years. In principle, a suspended sentence is not granted unless there is an exceptional reduction.”
A popular talent who was active until just recently has vanished from living rooms in an instant.
