XG producer Junho Sakai arrested in Japan for alleged cocaine possession

The Yomiuri Shimbun reports that music producer Junho Sakai, known professionally as Simon, has been arrested in Japan on suspicion of drug possession.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Sakai was taken into custody in Aichi Prefecture alongside three other individuals, including a U.S.-based music producer, over alleged violations of Japan’s Narcotic Control Law.

Authorities stated that the group was staying in a hotel when officers conducted a search late Sunday. During the operation, police reportedly discovered multiple bags of cocaine as well as a quantity of dried cannabis in the room.

Sakai, 39, is affiliated with the agency XGALX and is recognized as a key producer behind the seven-member girl group XG. He began his career in 2013 under the name Jakops and has since been involved in shaping the group’s musical direction.

XG debuted in 2022 and gained international attention as one of the first Japanese acts to appear on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not released further details regarding the case.