Why Did Anri Sakaguchi Get Detained for Stealing a 300 Yen Sandwich and Make Headlines

Third arrest

Former talent Anri Sakaguchi (35) was arrested on March 17 on suspicion of shoplifting a single sandwich worth about 300 yen from a convenience store in Hachioji, Tokyo.

“This is Sakaguchi’s third arrest. In 2017, she was arrested on suspicion of attempted extortion for allegedly trying to coerce 30,000 yen from an acquaintance who worked as a host (prosecutors did not pursue charges). In 2019, she was again arrested on suspicion of attempted extortion for allegedly entering the same man’s condominium without permission (prosecutors also did not pursue charges),” said a sports newspaper reporter.

Sakaguchi debuted in the entertainment industry as the daughter of actress Ryoko Sakaguchi, but her life changed dramatically after her mother passed away in 2013. She left her talent agency in 2016 and transitioned into a career as a sexy actress. She has also gone through two quick divorces.

Even after leaving show business, Sakaguchi continued to make headlines as a troublesome public figure. This time, however, it was for shoplifting a 300-yen sandwich. Yet, even about a week after her arrest, there has been no report of her release (as of March 27).

According to National Police Agency data, there were over 105,000 reported shoplifting incidents in 2025. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as many thefts at convenience stores and supermarkets go undetected, meaning the actual number is likely much higher.

While shoplifting is undeniably a crime and can seriously affect stores operating on thin margins, it raises questions whether such a minor theft warrants this level of media coverage and prolonged detention.

Exemplary punishment reporting

When this site interviewed attorney Kenta Morozane of Morozane Law Office, he expressed puzzlement over the coverage.

“Detention can be authorized for a maximum of 20 days (10 days initially plus 10-day extension). Generally speaking, detention is applied when there is a risk of flight due to factors such as lack of a permanent residence, no steady employment, or the suspect’s attitude. However, in cases like this, being detained for theft (shoplifting) is questionable. I’ve never experienced such a situation myself. If there is no particular dispute, the suspect would likely be released without an extension, and the case would proceed either as a non-prosecution or a summary indictment with a fine. If compensation to the convenience store is made and a settlement reached, the chance of non-prosecution is high,” he said, shaking his head.

So why was Sakaguchi treated specially? The answer seems to lie in the relationship between the police and the media.

A reporter from a major TV network told this site:

“The police will share information with the media if the arrested person is a celebrity, even if the offense is minor. Making it known publicly serves as a kind of one punishment for a hundred warnings, potentially deterring crime. To be frank, it’s also a way for the police to showcase that they are doing their job. I think Sakaguchi is simply a victim of this kind of exemplary punishment reporting. The media also happily cover it because it drives ratings.”

However, the police don’t only target celebrities.

“On the other hand, the police are very strict with media personnel themselves. If TV station employees or well-known program staff commit a crime, the police release the information to all media outlets. Just recently, a TV executive was caught riding a bicycle under the influence, and the police publicly announced his real name. No accident occurred, and it wasn’t a car but a bicycle—something that would never be reported for a regular person. He was considered an elite who might become a company president, but his career is completely over. Well, it’s his own fault,” said the same major network insider.

Even so, Sakaguchi has a history of posting her QR payment accounts on social media and soliciting money from followers. What exactly lies behind this latest incident remains unclear.