Former television personality Devi Sukarno appeared in the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday for her first trial regarding two counts of assault [1, 2, 3].
The proceedings mark a significant legal fall for the 86-year-old [1] public figure, whose courtroom conduct and admissions provide a glimpse into the volatility that led to the criminal charges.
Sukarno admitted to the majority of the charges. The first incident occurred in February 2025, when she allegedly threw a champagne glass at a female office employee who opposed her political activities [1, 4]. The second incident took place in October 2025, shortly after her dog died; prosecutors alleged she punched and kicked a female manager at a veterinary hospital [1, 4].
During the hearing, the defendant expressed remorse for her actions. Sukarno described herself as an "instant water heater" — a Japanese metaphor for someone with a quick, explosive temper [2]. She said she lacked self-control and regretted her behavior [2].
Despite the admissions of guilt, some of the defendant's remarks suggested a disconnect regarding the legal process of restitution. At one point during the proceedings, Sukarno asked, "Is a settlement really that important?" [1].
The court has scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 8, 2026 [2, 3].
“"I, an instant water heater,"”
The trial highlights the intersection of celebrity status and legal accountability in Japan. While Sukarno has admitted to the physical acts, her questioning of the importance of settlements suggests a potential struggle to meet the cultural and legal expectations of atonement required to secure a lighter sentence in the Japanese judicial system.
