Shunichiro Sato (26), a member of the Japanese men’s volleyball national team, was arrested for possessing dried cannabis at a pachinko parlor in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Sato is suspected of possessing dried cannabis on the evening of the 27th at a pachinko parlor in Oyama-cho, Itabashi Ward. The amount of dried cannabis he possessed has not been disclosed so far. The police have not revealed whether Sato admits or denies the allegations. According to the Japan Volleyball Association, the national team was in a training camp in Kita Ward, Tokyo, ahead of a tournament in China next month. The team Sato belongs to, “Wolfdogs Nagoya,” stated in response to an interview that they are currently confirming the situation and are not yet in a position to comment.

Itabashi Ward

Itabashi Ward is a special ward located in northwestern Tokyo, Japan. Historically, it developed as a post town along the Nakasendō highway during the Edo period, serving as a key rest stop for travelers. Today, it is a residential and commercial area known for its parks, the Shakujii River, and cultural sites like the Itabashi Art Museum.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, began as a small fishing village called Edo before becoming the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century. It was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) in 1868 after Emperor Meiji moved the imperial court from Kyoto, marking the start of Japan’s rapid modernization. Today, Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis known for its blend of historic temples, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant pop culture.

Oyama-cho

Oyama-cho is a historic town located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, known for its role as a key post station along the old Tokaido road during the Edo period. The town is famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture and stone-paved streets, particularly the Oyama-juku section, which reflects the culture of travelers and merchants from centuries ago. Today, it is a popular tourist destination offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal-era history, along with local crafts and cuisine.

Kita Ward

Kita Ward is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan, known for its mix of residential areas and historical sites. Its history includes being a key transportation hub during the Edo period, as the Nakasendo highway passed through the area, and it was officially established as a ward in 1947. Today, it features attractions like the Oji Shrine, which hosts the famous “Demon Festival” (Tori no Ichi), and the Asukayama Park, a historic cherry blossom viewing spot.

China

China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 3,500 years. It was home to ancient dynasties like the Shang and Zhou, and later unified under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, which laid the foundation for its imperial system. Today, China is known for its rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, as well as its modern economic and global influence.

Itabashi Art Museum

The Itabashi Art Museum, located in Tokyo’s Itabashi ward, opened in 1980 and is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It houses a notable collection of works related to the local area, including prints and paintings by the renowned Japanese artist Kōshirō Onchi. The museum also features a sculpture garden and offers rotating exhibitions that highlight both Japanese and international artists.

Oyama-juku

Oyama-juku was the forty-sixth of the fifty-three post stations along the historic Tōkaidō road in Japan during the Edo period. Located in present-day Shizuoka Prefecture, it served as a vital resting point for travelers journeying between Edo (modern Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today, the area retains some of its historical atmosphere, with preserved buildings and a museum dedicated to its role in Japan’s feudal-era transportation network.

Oji Shrine

Oji Shrine, located in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, is a Shinto shrine with a history dating back to the Heian period (794–1185). It is famously associated with the legend of the “Fox’s Wedding,” a natural phenomenon where sun showers are said to occur when foxes hold their wedding processions. The shrine is also a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and hosts the annual Oji Inari Festival, celebrating its rich cultural heritage.

Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park, located in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, is one of Japan’s oldest public parks, established in 1873. It was famously planted with cherry trees by order of the eighth Tokugawa shogun, Yoshimune, in the early 18th century, making it a historic hanami (flower viewing) spot. The park also offers scenic views of the Arakawa River and features a museum dedicated to local history and paper.

Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across northern China to protect against invasions, with construction beginning as early as the 7th century BC. The most famous sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), stretching over 13,000 miles. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese history and culture.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, built between 1406 and 1420. It served as the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the Palace Museum, showcasing a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.