Genius Pianist’ Explains Motive for Stealing Flight Attendant’s Apron Inspired by Conan’s Ran Mouri

Pianist prodigy who has won prizes at international competitions

A trial was held on January 29 at the Tokyo District Court for pianist Kazuya Saito (34, at the time of his arrest), who is accused of stealing a flight attendant’s apron aboard an airplane.

According to the indictment, Saito is suspected of stealing a flight attendant’s apron from the galley (the kitchen area on a passenger plane) of an ANA flight bound for Ishigaki Island in April of last year. Saito has admitted to the charges.

“Saito started playing the piano at the age of four and went on to study at the Tokyo University of the Arts. He later graduated with honors from the Paris Conservatory and Berlin University of the Arts. A highly skilled pianist, he has won numerous international competitions, and he is married to a string player he met while studying abroad,” said a music industry insider.

Saito, who has semi-long hair that gives off an air of elegance, appeared in court wearing a navy suit and a polka-dot tie. He appeared quite nervous, nervously moving his neatly groomed eyebrows. During the trial, the defendant’s abnormal attachment to the apron was discussed. When asked about the reason he stole the apron, he said in a faint voice:

“I have an abnormal affection for clothing, and I have a tendency to view clothing as a sexual object. I was terrified to see the apron being mistreated in the galley and acted out of a desire to protect it.”

When prompted by his lawyer to speak louder, he repeated:

“I did not intend to use it for sexual purposes.”

He denied it.