Japanese pianist Kyohei Sorita receives a suspended three-month prison sentence after driving 84 km/h above the speed limit on Tokyo’s Shuto Expressway
The Tokyo District Court has sentenced pianist Kyohei Sorita to three months in prison, suspended for two years, over a speeding offence on the Shuto Expressway. Sorita was charged with driving at 144 km/h in a 60 km/h zone in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward last December.
Tokyo, Japan: The Tokyo District Court has sentenced pianist Kyohei Sorita to three months of imprisonment, suspended for two years, after he was charged with driving at 144 km/h on the Shuto Expressway, exceeding the speed limit by 84 km/h.
The incident occurred last December in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, where the speed limit was 60 km/h. Sorita was charged with violating Japan’s Road Traffic Act.
Following his first court hearing, Sorita issued a statement on his official website apologising for his actions and the resulting concerns.
“I sincerely apologize for the significant trouble and concern my thoughtless actions have caused everyone. I deeply regret that my conduct has severely damaged the trust and expectations placed in me,” he said.
Kyohei Sorita Speeding Case and Court Sentence
The court handed Sorita a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The sentence followed the charge relating to his alleged speeding on the Shuto Expressway.
The offence involved driving at 144 km/h in a section where the speed limit was 60 km/h, placing his speed 84 km/h above the permitted limit.
Kyohei Sorita’s International Career as a Pianist
Sorita is an internationally active pianist who gained recognition in 2021 after finishing second at the International Chopin Piano Competition. His result marked the highest placement achieved by a Japanese pianist in the competition.
In addition to his performance career, Sorita organises his own orchestra and works as a conductor.
