Hiroyuki Sugiyama, a member of the Japanese comedy trio Wagaya, has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of stealing food from a supermarket, according to 読売新聞. The referral was made as a document-only case, a procedure Japanese authorities use for certain suspected offenses.
読売新聞 reports that Sugiyama was quoted as saying his income was low and that he felt anxious. The report did not provide further details about the store, the items involved, or when the alleged theft took place.
Sugiyama's talent agency said it confirmed the facts with him and that he will suspend activities for the time being, according to 新潟日報. The agency's statement said he deeply regrets the seriousness of what he did, the outlet reported.
The case has drawn wider attention in Japanese media, with other outlets covering reactions from figures in the entertainment industry. 日刊スポーツ reported that comedian Hidetoshi Hoshida expressed anger over the spread of some images online, calling the material false and saying he was considering legal action. Yahoo!ニュース also carried commentary from another popular comedian who was sharply critical of Sugiyama, though those remarks were not independently verified in the material available.
Wagaya is a well-known comedy trio in Japan, and Sugiyama's suspension marks a significant interruption to the group's activities.
What to watch next: whether prosecutors proceed with the case and how long Sugiyama's suspension from entertainment work lasts.
