Japanese actor Yusuke Iseya was sentenced Tuesday to one year in prison, suspended for three years, for possessing cannabis.
In handing down the ruling, the Tokyo District Court said, "The amount possessed was large and considering the history of use confessed by the defendant, he has been deeply involved with cannabis."
At the same time, Judge Chikako Murata gave Iseya the suspended term because the actor realized the impact that the incident had on his work and pledged to stay away from drugs.
Having started his acting career while studying at Tokyo University of the Arts, Iseya gained fame with roles in a series of television dramas and films. His work includes the film version of the hit comic series "Rurouni Kenshin" and the 2019 blockbuster "Fly Me to the Saitama."
According to the ruling, Iseya was in possession of four packets containing a total of 13.17 grams of dried marijuana at his home in Tokyo on Sept. 8.
"I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart that I have ended up betraying the trust of people, and caused worries and trouble," he said in a statement released after the ruling.
Iseya, the half-brother of the late designer Kansai Yamamoto, pleaded guilty to the charge during his first trial on Dec. 1.
His defense lawyers said Iseya's marijuana use was for easing stress and pressure, and that he used it more frequently while spending time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Related coverage:
1-year prison term sought for actor Iseya over cannabis possession
Arrested actor Yusuke Iseya admits to possessing cannabis
Japanese actor Yusuke Iseya nabbed for alleged cannabis possession
