Renowned Japanese pianist found guilty of driving at 144 kph

The Tokyo District Court on Thursday sentenced renowned Japanese pianist Kyohei Sorita to three months in jail, suspended for two years, for speeding.

According to the ruling, Sorita, 32, drove a car at 144 kph, well above the speed limit of 60 kph, on a metropolitan expressway in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward on the night of Dec. 20 last year.

Presiding Judge Yoshihiro Hayashi said that, considering the significant speeding violation, Sorita’s criminal responsibility is “not light.”

The defense side had requested a fine, arguing that a jail sentence would affect Sorita’s overseas activities. However, the court rejected this request, saying that the sentence would not prevent him from pursuing his career altogether.

In 2021, Sorita placed second in the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.

Prior to Thursday’s ruling, Sorita said in the courtroom, “I am very sorry for causing a great deal of trouble to many people. I am seriously reflecting on myself.”

After the ruling, he issued a statement vowing to behave with awareness of his social responsibility and steadily devote himself to musical activities.