In 2018, tycoon Nozaki Sosuke died suddenly, with poisoning suspected as the cause of death. The case appeared to have reached a dead end until 2021, when police discovered evidence linking Sudo Saki, Nozaki’s wife, to his death. Sudo Saki, a model, was arrested and charged with murder. Despite identifying the suspect, authorities struggled to convict Sudo Saki due to insufficient evidence.
The tragic end of the infamous Japanese Playboy mogul
Nozaki Sosuke, a wealthy businessman, built his fortune from nothing by selling scrap metal, condoms, alcohol and other goods. After amassing great wealth, he indulged in a lavish lifestyle, earning a notorious reputation for his long list of romantic affairs, reportedly involving up to 4,000 women, including actresses and ordinary individuals. Nicknamed “Don Juan of Wakayama”, he is said to have spent 3 billion yen (about $21 million) on his companions.
In 2017, the 77-year-old shocked the public by announcing his marriage to 22-year-old model Sudo Saki. They reportedly met at an elite club and Nozaki Sosuke was smitten at first sight. He lavished Sudo Saki with extravagant gifts, spending hundreds of thousands of yen to win her over.
According to NHK, Sudo Saki accepted his marriage proposal on the condition that he receive a monthly living allowance of 1 million yen (about $6,800). Despite public warnings that Sudo Saki might only be interested in his wealth, Nozaki was confident that their marriage would bring him happiness.
However, just three months after their wedding, Japan was shaken by the news of Nozaki Sosuke’s sudden death in his home. An autopsy revealed a large amount of stimulants in his system. Furthermore, his dog had died 18 days earlier. The authorities suspected poisoning, and the main suspect was his young wife, Sudo Saki. However, at that time the police did not have enough evidence to detain her.
The culprit discovered and the controversial verdict
The case seemed to stagnate until 2021, when police announced a breakthrough. Evidence confirmed that Sudo Saki was the only person present in the house at the time of Nozaki’s death. On April 28, 2021, she was arrested.
Reports revealed that tensions had arisen between the couple shortly after their wedding. Sudo Saki was reportedly unwilling to move to her husband’s rural hometown, leading Nozaki Sosuke to file for divorce. Fearful of losing her financial security, Sudo Saki allegedly decided to kill her husband, believing that she would inherit part of his fortune.
On the last evening, during dinner with her husband, Sudo Saki allegedly spiked her food with stimulants, causing her premature death. Investigators also found incriminating searches on his mobile browser, including phrases such as “how to kill,” “buy stimulants,” “drug overdose” and “the perfect trap for murder.” In court, Sudo Saki denied the allegations, claiming that her husband had asked her to procure the drugs.
After three years of legal proceedings, a court in western Japan issued a verdict on December 12, acquitting Sudo Saki of murder charges. The judge cited insufficient evidence, suggesting the possibility that Nozaki Sosuke had accidentally overdosed.
The verdict sparked outrage among the Japanese public, with many calling for a review of the investigation and a reevaluation of the evidence to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for the perpetrator.
