Comedian Hiroyuki Sugiyama referred to prosecutors

Hiroyuki Sugiyama, a 49-year-old member of the comedy trio Wagaya, was arrested for shoplifting various food items at a supermarket in Meguro Ward, Tokyo. The stolen goods, valued at approximately 1,189 yen, included sausages, ramen soup, frozen green beans, salad, and chashu pork. The incident occurred on September 15 when Sugiyama allegedly placed seven items into a bag at a self-checkout counter without scanning them.

Sugiyama has admitted to the allegations, citing anxiety over a recent decrease in income and a desire to save money. Reports indicate his monthly earnings had dropped significantly from a peak of 6 million yen to as low as 20,000 yen. He had recently returned to work following a hospitalization in July for a medical condition.

Following the incident, his talent agency, Watanabe Entertainment, issued an apology and announced that Sugiyama will be suspended from all activities. The case has since been referred to prosecutors.

The incident has drawn scrutiny regarding Sugiyama’s history of problematic behavior and poor conduct while intoxicated. Fellow entertainers have reacted to the news; while Hiroyuki Tsuchida described the act as ‘out of the question,’ veteran comedian Hiroyuki Ariyoshi has criticized Sugiyama’s professionalism and attitude on various programs. During a broadcast of ‘Ariyoshi Hiroyuki’s Sunday Night Dreamer,’ Ariyoshi expressed a mix of empathy and condemnation, stating, “There are things you just shouldn't do,” and dismissing the behavior as “stupid.” Public reaction has been largely critical, noting that his history of difficult behavior preceded this legal issue.