r/japancrime

According to Japanese media reports, Sano and two friends gang-raped a woman at a hotel in Tokyo on July 14, 2024. The victim contacted the police immediately after the incident, leading to the on-the-spot arrest of Sano and his accomplices.

During interrogation, Sano reportedly pleaded not guilty to the gang assault. However, his legal team reached a settlement with the victim through substantial private compensation, prompting the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors’ Office to drop the charges. He was released on July 29.

On 5 June 2025, he was selected for the Japan national team for the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, scheduled to be held on 10 June, marking his return to the squad. At a press conference, head coach Hajime Moriyasu stated, "I have been observing him all along, and after personally reaching out to him, I strongly felt that he is truly remorseful." He continued, "When we consider each team member as part of a family, I asked myself—as a coach facing an individual player—whether we should simply cast someone out of society or the football world for making a mistake. I decided it would be better, as a family, to give him a path to try again.”

 Sano released a statement that said,  "I offer my sincere apology to the victim for my actions that caused great trouble. I take the consequences of my action seriously and will strive to restore trust."