The first trial of a U.S. national accused of obstructing the business of restaurant staff by filming a video and playing music at high volume in a dining establishment in Osaka Minami took place on the 19th at the Osaka District Court, with Judge Yasue Yasufuku presiding. The defendant did not deny filming, stating, “I don’t deny taking the footage. I regret my actions. However, the audio was automatically played,” partially denying the charges against them.
On this day, the defendant appeared in court wearing a white dress shirt and black pants. When the judge confirmed the defendant’s name, etc., they responded with weak voices such as “Yes” and “OK,” lowering their gaze.
According to the indictment, around 1:30 am on September 12, at a dining establishment in Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, despite other customers being present, the defendant allegedly filmed with a smartphone, played music at high volume, and forced the staff to deal with them.
The defendant has been known on social media as a broadcaster, repeatedly engaging in troublesome activities in Japan and livestreaming them for profit.
They were arrested by the Osaka Prefectural Police Minami Police Station in September on suspicion of trespassing on the site of a hotel construction project in Osaka city. Subsequently, they were rearrested on charges of obstructing business by force. Regarding the trespassing incident, the Osaka District Public Prosecutors’ Office has decided not to indict (deferred prosecution).
Source: [Sankei](https://www.sankei.com/article/20231219-X2HUQ6BL4ZPYRBHFBROEL45K4Q/) (Translated and edited for name redaction with ChatGPT)
Edit: Also [another article from Sankei](https://www.sankei.com/article/20231219-N7HK6WR52NMENDRHVSEG2WG4DY/) says
> .. The prosecution is seeking a fine of 200,000 yen, and the trial has concluded.
>
> In the prosecution’s closing argument, they condemned the defendant, stating, “The individual engaged in arbitrary actions for the purpose of pleasing viewers.” On the other hand, the defense, during their closing statement, emphasized the individual’s remorse and requested consideration for the extended period of their detention.
>
> During the individual’s questioning on this day, they apologized for their actions, stating, “It’s embarrassing. I apologize to everyone I inconvenienced.” In the final statement, they declared, “I will not engage in video streaming in the future. I want to return to my home country, continue my studies, and be a role model for my family.”
The final verdict will be delivered on January 10th, 2024 [according to ktv](https://www.ktv.jp/news/articles/?id=09756).
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Previously: https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/17o0sf3/foreign_youtuber_prosecuted_for_restaurant/
by alexklaus80