Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested 26-year-old actor Hiroya Shimizu on September 3, 2025, on suspicion of marijuana possession.[1] The department suspects Shimizu of violating the Narcotics Control Law by jointly possessing marijuana.[1] Shimizu reportedly admitted the charge.[1] A woman in her 20s who lives with Shimizu was also arrested on the same charge.[1] Officers found cannabis and rolling paper at the home, and Shimizu was taken into custody two hours after the search began.[2]
Shimizu and the woman are suspected of possessing dried marijuana at their home in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward before July 10.[1] Police began investigating Shimizu in January after receiving a tip that he was using marijuana.[1] Officers searching the residence on the morning of the arrest found a substance resembling marijuana with rolling papers likely used for smoking on a table.[1] Forensic analysis confirmed the substance was about 0.4 gram of dried marijuana.[1] Police are investigating where Shimizu obtained the drug and the route through which it was supplied.[1]
Shimizu told investigators he first tried marijuana while studying in Los Angeles at age 20 and used it more frequently after returning to Japan.[1] He said he was offered marijuana rolled in papers like a cigarette at a home party in Los Angeles.[1] After returning to Japan, he said he began using the drug again at around age 21 or 22 to experience euphoria and relaxation.[1] He told investigators his use increased about two years ago when his television appearances and income rose.[1] He added that he had smoked marijuana several times a month since the beginning of the year.[1] His agency, Office Saku, said it learned of the arrest from breaking reports and apologized for the concern caused.[1] Broadcaster TBS said it was working to edit Shimizu’s scenes out of his ongoing drama program in light of the news.[1]
