Jungle Pocket’s Shinji Saito Faces Court Over Sexual Assault Charges: A High-Profile Case in Japan
In a case that has captured national attention, Shinji Saito, a 41-year-old member of the popular comedy trio Jungle Pocket, is facing trial for alleged sexual assault. The charges stem from an incident in July 2024, when Saito allegedly committed non-consensual sexual acts on a woman in her 20s inside a location bus in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. The case has sparked widespread debate about consent and accountability, especially given Saito’s celebrity status.
Saito has pleaded guilty to the allegations, expressing regret for his “thoughtless behavior” and acknowledging the trouble it has caused the victim and her family. However, during his first court appearance on March 13, 2026, he reportedly denied the charges, claiming he believed the acts were consensual. The prosecution, however, argues that the victim, a social media influencer who met Saito for the first time that day, did not give consent. The victim has testified that she sought help from her mother via LINE immediately after the incident and later visited a psychiatrist and the police, emphasizing the trauma she endured.
The legal stakes are high. Saito is charged with non-consensual sexual intercourse and non-consensual obscenity, crimes that carry a minimum sentence of five years in prison if convicted. In Japan, where the conviction rate is over 99%, a guilty verdict would likely result in a prison sentence without suspension. The victim has rejected a settlement offer of 25 million yen, demanding a strict punishment, including imprisonment.
The case has also had professional repercussions. Yoshimoto Kogyo, Saito’s management agency, terminated his contract in October 2024, and the remaining members of Jungle Pocket have continued as a duo. The trial, which resumed on May 8, 2026, has drawn significant public interest, with the Tokyo District Court issuing attendance tickets due to the high demand. As the proceedings continue, the outcome will not only determine Saito’s fate but also send a powerful message about the seriousness of sexual assault in Japanese society.
Shimanta Das 
