Japan's World Cup team renews controversy after allowing Kaishū Sano to compete despite rape case
A Japanese footballer accused of rape has been allowed to represent his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It was announced last year that Kaishū Sano has rejoined Japan's squad following a brief break.
The midfielder, who currently plays for the Bundesliga club Mainz 05, was arrested in Tokyo in July 2024 alongside two other men after a woman alleged the trio had sexually assaulted her.
According to police, the group had previously spent time with two women during dinner, after which one of them left separately.
Advert
The victim claimed she was subsequently abused at a hotel, after which she contacted the authorities.
Sano, 25, was released from custody later that month.
The woman later dropped her case, however, after a settlement was reached and prosecutors opted not to move forward with any charges.
In a statement shared via his representatives, Sano insisted: "I offer my sincere apology to the victim for my actions that caused great trouble."
Despite this, the athlete was selected for Japan's national team the following year.
The team's head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, stood firmly by his decision at the time, announcing at a press conference: "I have been observing him all along, and after personally reaching out to him, I strongly felt that he is truly remorseful.
"When we consider each team member as part of a family, I asked myself—as a coach facing an individual player—whether we should simply cast someone out of society or the football world for making a mistake.
"I decided it would be better, as a family, to give him a path to try again."
His involvement in this year's tournament has unearthed abuse allegations against him all over again, however.
The controversial decision has sparked widespread backlash amongst sports fans, who have publicly questioned why he should be allowed to play on the world's biggest stage for football.
One X user hit out this week: "Even from a Japanese perspective, this choice is completely baffling. It is nothing short of an embarrassment to the world."
Another wrote: "The Japanese national team for this tournament is being hailed as the strongest in history, but a team that needs the power of a rapist is undoubtedly the worst in history.
"Let's make sure that rational citizens absolutely refuse to watch the Japanese national team's matches."
A third added: "It's disgusting that a rapist can walk free and even go on to represent the country. It says a lot about how little value the establishment places on women when it protects and elevates people like that."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Topics: World Cup, Football, Sport, World News, Crime
Rhianna Benson