[Judgment on the 31st] “Concerns” Regarding the Sentence to Be Imposed on Defendant Sato, a Former Men’s Volleyball National Team Member Who Admitted to “Marijuana Possession”

The Japanese national volleyball team advanced to the semifinals of the “2026 Nations League” with a perfect record in the preliminary round. On the 29th, they defeated China in the semifinals to secure a spot in the final four. Meanwhile, defendant Shunichiro Sato (26), who had been a member of the national team until just before the tournament, was seen at the Tokyo District Court around 9:30 a.m. on July 24.That day marked the first hearing in his trial.

Appearing in a suit and carrying a paper bag in one hand, defendant Sato stood out even from a distance due to his towering height. Escorted by a court official who was about two heads shorter than him, he entered the building with a slightly nervous expression.

Sato was arrested on May 28 on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law (possession) for possessing 0.8 grams of dried cannabis.

“On the previous day, the 27th, the national team—which was in training camp at the National Training Center in Tokyo—had no full-team practice scheduled and had free time starting in the early afternoon.It is reported that Sato and several others visited a pachinko parlor. At that time, dried cannabis was found in a bag he had left behind at the parlor, and the police were notified. Sato had joined the national team on the 25th and had participated in regular practice on the 26th.

On the 28th, the day of his arrest, a ‘kickoff press conference’—where the national team’s coach and players were scheduled to discuss their goals for the year—was canceled, and instead, association executives held an impromptu briefing to offer an explanation and an apology. Sato’s registration with the national team was revoked immediately. Baggage inspections were conducted on all players and staff, but reportedly, no issues were found with anyone else.
Hiroyuki Kokubu, Executive Director of the Japan Volleyball Association, commented on the other players’ condition, saying, “With one of their teammates being arrested, they are quite shaken emotionally. As a national team, they are in the lowest of spirits.” (Social Affairs Reporter, National Newspaper)

At the first court hearing on July 24, Defendant Sato admitted to the charges.

“According to the prosecution’s opening statement, Defendant Sato had been using marijuana since his first or second year of college. He reportedly purchased it frequently from a dealer he found online this past May and used it with his partner. He reportedly began thinking about using it during the Japanese national team’s training camp as well, which is why he brought it with him.” (Ibid.)

“Points of Concern” Pointed Out by a Former Drug Enforcement Officer

According to the defendant, Sato, “I have my weaknesses, and I gave in to temptation.” He added , “I refrained during the season, but I let loose during the long break.” He also apologized , saying, “I feel deeply sorry for having done such a thing while representing Japan.”

The prosecution sought a one-year prison sentence, arguing that “this was a habitual offense and demonstrates a lack of respect for the law.” The defense, however, argued that “he has already faced significant social consequences” and requested a suspended sentence.

What kind of sentence will be handed down to Defendant Sato? Former narcotics enforcement officer Ryoji Takahama offers the following perspective.

“Since this wasn’t cultivation for profit and it’s his first offense, I think he’ll receive a suspended sentence. He has honestly admitted to the crime and provided a full confession, so the judge will likely view him favorably in terms of mitigating circumstances.

However, what is concerning is that he brought marijuana even to the team’s training camp. Marijuana users often use it when they have time to spare, such as when they have the next day off. Although he himself testified in court that he did not use it during the season, the fact that he brought it to the training camp suggests a significant degree of habitual use and dependence.“I believe the suspended sentence will likely be around three years, partly in the hope that he will be able to turn his life around in the future,”

Defendant Sato, a middle blocker who plays in the center of the front row, was first selected for the Japanese national team in 2018—his senior year of high school—thanks to his 205 cm height.He was a promising player who excelled in the Finnish League during the ’24–’25 season and competed in last year’s Nations League. During the trial, it was also revealed that he was scheduled to transfer to a professional team in Goa, India.

The verdict will be handed down on the 31st.

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