Makihara Noriyuki is sentenced to 2 years in prison (3 years suspended sentence)

Makihara Noriyuki (51) was charged with violation of the stimulate control law and various other charges and appeared a the Tokyo District Court on August 3rd.

Makihara was sentenced to two years in prison (3 years suspended sentence).  If Makihara does not break the law in three years and fulfills conditions in relation to his probation, the sentence will be dismissed.  If he breaks the law during that time, he will go to prison.

In Japan, “Shikko yuyo” (suspended sentence) is a common practice.

Makihara Noriyuki (50) was arrested by Metro Police on February 13th for violating the Stimulants Drug Control Law (for possession).

According to NHK, police found 0.083 gram of stimulants at his condo in Tokyo’s Minato Ward in April 2018.  Police concluded that Makihara owned the substance which led to him being arrested.

Makihara was arrested back in August 1999 for stimulant possession and was given a suspended sentence of 1 1/2 years imprisonment .  He admitted to using the drugs.  And because he was arrested a second time, does not bode well for the singer.

Makihara is known for his string of #1 hits but also writing #1 hits for many artists including SMAP with the song “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” back in 2003.