On Oct. 6, renowned Japanese pianist Kyohei Sorita has been indicted without arrest for a significant speeding violation on the Shuto Expressway.
On the night of December 20, 2025, Sorita was caught driving a passenger car at 144 km/h on the Shuto Expressway Central Circular Route in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, exceeding the 60 km/h speed limit by 84 km/h.
During the first hearing, Sorita admitted to the charges, explaining that he missed the speed limit sign and mistakenly thought the limit was 100 km/h. He stated he was rushing because he was on his way to pick up his wife (pianist Aimi Kobayashi).
The prosecution demanded a three-month imprisonment sentence. The court is scheduled to hand down a sentence on Oct. 29. On the same day, Sorita’s office issued a statement on its website apologizing for causing concern and trouble to many people.
Kyohei Sorita is a Japanese classical pianist who placed second in the 2021 International Chopin Competition, marking the highest finish for a Japanese-born pianist since Mitsuko Uchida in 1970. Key pieces he performed include Piano Sonata in B-flat minor Op.35, Polonaise in A-flat major Op.53 and Piano Concerto in E minor Op.11.
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