Former actress and singer Noriko Sakai was sentenced Nov. 9 to a suspended 18-month prison term for possessing and using illegal drugs in July and August.

The Tokyo District Court gave a three-year suspended term to the 38-year-old Sakai, who had gone into hiding for six days before turning herself in to police.

Presiding Judge Hiroaki Murayama said that although her crime was serious, he decided to suspend her prison term because she owned up to her charges and demonstrated deep regret.

"The defendant has starred in many TV dramas and movies, but unfortunately this trial is a reality," Murayama told Sakai after he handed down the sentence. "I believe that the defendant will realize the weight of her sentence. ... And I strongly hope that she will completely cut herself off from stimulants and rehabilitate herself."