Film Director Hideo Sakaki Accused of Using Violence and Manipulation

Sakaki appears calm at trial

The trial of film director Hideo Sakaki (54), who is accused of quasi-rape for committing indecent acts against a woman in her 20s, was held on February 21 at the Tokyo District Court. A witness examination of the victim took place, revealing the reality of the fear-based mind control through Sakaki’s words and violence.

Last October, a trial was held for the quasi-rape charge in relation to indecent acts committed in 2016 against an actress, referred to as A, who was in her 20s at the time.

For those who wish to learn more details about this trial, please refer to the October 21, 2024, edition of Friday Digital.

The courtroom also revealed Sakaki’s abnormal sexual preferences and his self-indulgent claims, with remarks such as, “I get excited by treating actresses roughly.”

https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/article/395613

 Additionally, on March 19, 2015, under the pretense of offering acting guidance, Sakaki sexually assaulted actress B in an apartment. In 2016, he invited actress C out for a meal and said:

“If you’re serious about becoming an actor, you’ll do anything, right? Now, take off your underwear.”

He then invited her to a hotel where they engaged in sexual intercourse.

In court, Sakaki appeared in a moss-green set-up suit, lightly bowing to his female lawyer. He seemed composed.

On this day, the trial proceeded with the prosecution, Sakaki’s lawyer, and the judge asking questions to C, who responded accordingly. Below is the specific account C provided, from her first encounter with Sakaki to the events leading up to the incident. (Editor’s note: This trial involved C’s testimony, and the following comments attributed to Sakaki are as recounted by C.)

C, who took the witness stand remotely from a separate room, appeared unable to tolerate being in the same space as Sakaki. When the prosecutor asked, “How many times did you suffer from Sakaki’s abuse?” C responded:

“I believe it happened about seven or eight times.”

 

He changed at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) where he was invited

C met Sakaki in July 2016 on the set of a drama he was directing. C participated as an extra, playing the role of a university student. During filming, Sakaki requested an unscripted scene and called out to the extras, asking, “Can someone play the role of having their skirt lifted?” C volunteered, thinking, “If I raise my hand now, the director will remember me,” and played the part. Later that day, she messaged Sakaki on Twitter (now X), saying, “Thank you very much.”

Sakaki replied, “Sorry for asking too much. Let me treat you to a meal as thanks.” Reflecting on her impression of him, C said:

“On set, he was cheerful with the staff and treated the extras as if they were actors too.”

About 10 days later, they had a one-on-one dinner at an izakaya in Shibuya. At the time, C was signed with a talent agency, but only landed small roles as an extra in commercials and dramas. She opened up to Sakaki about her struggles with not being able to succeed as an actress, and he empathized, which moved her to tears. Sakaki then said:

“To succeed, you need to keep appearing in works. For that, you need someone who can help you. I might be able to support you.”

However, from that moment, Sakaki’s demeanor drastically changed, revealing a darker side. He asked her:

“Are you ready to do anything? If you’re serious, go to the bathroom and take off your underwear.”

C complied, removing her underwear in the restroom and returning to the table. Sakaki then demanded:

“Hand them over.”

He smelled them and put them in his pocket. Then, he said, “Let’s go,” and led her to a hotel. Although C had reservations when they arrived at the hotel, she felt trapped:

“I had already said I was ready, so I felt like I had no choice.”

Once inside the room, Sakaki kissed her, and C began to feel overwhelmed with anxiety and regret:

“I started wondering what was going to happen next… I felt both fear and remorse.”

During her testimony, C at times sobbed, her words breaking off as she recalled the events.

As her recollection continued, she described what happened after entering the hotel room. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain across her cheek:

“It was a feeling like my ear hurt and I was losing consciousness.”

This was because Sakaki had slapped her three times. C lost the will to resist completely. As the assault began, Sakaki bombarded her with questions:

“How many people have you dated? When was your first time? What kind of things have you done?”

She testified that he even “inserted a finger into her anus.” Reflecting on this sadistic behavior, C said:

“I felt like I had lost my dignity as a human being.”

After the assault, Sakaki named famous actresses, telling her:

“They all do these kinds of things. You have to try hard too.”

At that moment, C thought:

“I have to endure this.”

She convinced herself that it was something necessary for her to succeed as an actress. Over time, C gradually fell under Sakaki’s mind control.

 

“I want you to suffer the same thing I did.”

Afterward, Sakaki frequently contacted C via email, telling her, “Come to [location] today,” and continued their sexual relationship. He mentioned a well-known talent agency, saying:

“That place has plenty of women for pillow services. You’re a good girl, so you should become one of them. I’ll bring producers and other men for you to sleep with.”

C, terrified of being forced into relationships with multiple men, told him, “I only want to be with you, Director.” In response, Sakaki cruelly said:

“Then you’re my personal ‘meat toilet.'”

How did such a dominant-submissive relationship develop? C explained:

“I felt like my ability as an actress was being tested. There was a hierarchy where I had to respond to what the director demanded.”

In the winter of 2022, when a magazine reported on Sakaki’s scandals with women, his contact with C abruptly stopped.

In 2024, after Sakaki’s arrest, an SD card was seized from his home containing nude images of women, including some of C. The police confirmed her identity, which prompted her to file a criminal complaint. When asked why she delayed in reporting the incident, C said:

“I thought terrible things had been done to me, but I didn’t see myself as a victim. I tried not to let him see my fear or desire to escape. I kept blaming myself, thinking maybe I was the one at fault.”

C, who is now undergoing counseling due to the trauma from the incidents, further stated:

“I’ve always been afraid of him. When I saw articles about him later on, I was overcome with fear. I think he was always watching my expressions, observing me. He constantly did things to make me feel terrified. The more I endured it, the more I felt like I was being controlled. That feeling still persists.”

When asked if she had any final words for Sakaki, she struggled to respond:

“I hesitate to say this, as maybe I shouldn’t, but I hope his beloved daughter, ex-wife, and mother—those important to him—never have to go through what I did.”

During C’s testimony, Sakaki took notes in a notebook and occasionally closed his eyes. However, it was impossible to discern how he reacted to C’s ongoing suffering from his expression.