Question from a reader:
Considering that Ippei Mizuhara stole several billion yen, I truly believe that a sentence of 4 years and 9 months is quite lenient. I’m worried that this could lead to an increase in fraud cases amounting to 2.6 billion yen. If he manages to escape, he could live comfortably for the rest of his life, and even
if caught, this kind of punishment doesn’t seem like a strong deterrent.
Is the Punishment Too Lenient? Thoughts on Ippei Mizuhara’s Case
Recently, I felt a bit uneasy after seeing the news about Ippei Mizuhara’s fraud case. It really does seem quite light to receive a sentence of just 4 years and 9 months for stealing such a large sum. I found myself worrying that this might encourage others to think, “Maybe I should give it a try too.” When I discussed this with a friend, he said, “If he’s in prison, he can’t repay anything. Doesn’t that seem strange?” That’s true; without any productive work during his imprisonment, it feels like he’s being told, “Go ahead and have fun as much as you like.”
Repayment through a Tell-All Book? Or…
I started to wonder what would happen if he wrote a tell-all book while in prison. But honestly, how many people would actually buy that book? At least I might be a little interested, but I think the amount he would make would be far from enough to repay his debts. Additionally, my friend joked, “If his wife makes her AV debut, they might actually start making money!” While it was a joke, it also felt like there was a bit of truth hidden in it, which left me feeling quite conflicted.
The Value of a Convicted Felon
Considering his age and skills, I can understand why companies might see him as “a useful resource despite being a convicted felon.” He’s fluent in English and capable of physical work. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before job offers start coming in. But ultimately, that might lead him to face an “inescapable reality.” While talking with my friend, he remarked, “In the end, if he doesn’t work, he can’t repay anything, and he won’t be able to escape.” Those words stuck with me. It’s true that while the punishment is light, the debt of 2.6 billion yen will follow him. Thinking about what kind of life awaits him in the future makes me feel a bit sad.
What Do You Think?
As I ponder these thoughts, I realize that everyone has their own opinions and experiences. If you have any thoughts on this matter or if you’d like to share your own experiences, please let me know in the comments! I’m looking forward to hearing all kinds of opinions.
