An infamous Japanese film director, referred to only as "Sakaki", is being confronted with a prosecutor's demand for a ten-year prison sentence. Though the specific allegations are currently undisclosed, the charge is serious enough to warrant a substantial jail time. The trial is underway and has attracted extensive nationwide attention.
In Japan, people greatly respect film directors and they are often seen with prestige. This, coupled with the severity of the punishment sought, is fuelifying a significant public reaction. Given the relative rarity of decade-long sentences against public figures, the elite justice system's handling of the case is under scrutiny.
In the US and EU, high-profile legal battles involving movie directors or celebrities often fuel a massive public interest as well. In addition, these regions, like Japan, have strict laws, but specific punishments often vary based on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.