Shinji Saito Faces First Trial After Scandal with Conflicting Apology and Settlement Offer, Prison Sentence Possible

Claims that the woman consented despite first meeting

A man staring emotionlessly into space it was hard to believe this was the same popular comedian who once entertained households with his distinctive facial expressions and quirky appearances.

On March 13, the first trial of former Shinji Saito (43) was held at Tokyo District Court.

Given the high-profile nature of the trial, approximately 300 people lined up outside the court seeking one of the 20 public gallery seats. Just after 9:30 a.m., the chauffeur-driven car carrying Saito entered the court without slowing down. Sitting in the last row of a three-row seat, his face was not visible to onlookers.

At 10:00 a.m., Saito appeared before the media for the first time in one year and nine months, wearing a black suit and blue tie, with a relatively calm expression.

“On July 30, 2024, Saito allegedly committed the acts inside a parked location bus prepared for a variety show shoot in Shinjuku, Tokyo. On that day, he approached A, a 20-something female talent he had just met, with comments like ‘You’re cute.’ Despite being rejected, he allegedly groped her chest and kissed her multiple times throughout the morning and afternoon. He was subsequently reported on October 7, 2024, on suspicion of non-consensual sexual acts,” a national newspaper social affairs reporter said.

Saito denied the charges, claiming, “I thought the woman was consenting,” asserting his innocence. At the same time, he revealed that he offered an apology and a settlement proposal to A. Crime journalist Taihei Ogawa commented:

“Saito claims he believed A, whom he met for the first time that day, was consenting. But from a common-sense perspective, it’s not believable to take that at face value. Moreover, if he is asserting innocence, offering an apology and settlement to A is contradictory. The settlement offer after the indictment appears to be a strategy by his legal team aimed at mitigating sentencing.”

What might his sentence be if a settlement isn’t reached and he is convicted?

“Saito’s case is quite similar to actor Hirofumi Arai (47). Arai was indicted for forcible sexual intercourse, admitted to the act itself but pleaded not guilty. After a five-year prison sentence in the first trial, he paid 3 million yen in compensation and reached a settlement, resulting in a reduced sentence of four years at the Tokyo High Court. By analogy, Saito could face a four-year prison sentence if five years’ imprisonment is sought.”

Shortly after 11 a.m., Saito left Tokyo District Court in his car. He appeared briefly affected by the flashes from reporters’ cameras, but, as described at the start, he turned slightly aside, maintaining a vacant expression.

The next trial is scheduled for March 17.