Yamato Producer Sentenced

Nishizaki Hirofumi, producer of Space Battleship Yamato (Star Blazers), was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months of penal servitude for firearms possession and use of stimulant drugs. The chief judge admonished him to atone for the wrong he’d done and not waste his talent. Nishizaki was first arrested in December of 1998 on drug related charges. This new sentencing results from his February 1999 arrest for illegal possession of a handgun, 2 semi-automatic rifles, 1800 bullets and 30 howitzer shells and possession and use of analeptic/stimulant drugs.

Source: Anihabara