Shocking Death in Showbiz: 22-Year-Old Actress Suspected of Murdering Her 77-Year-Old Tycoon Husband Just Three Months After Marriage

In 2018, tycoon Nozaki Sosuke suddenly passed away, with poisoning suspected as the cause of death. The case appeared to hit 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 Japan’s Infamous Playboy Tycoon  

Nozaki Sosuke, a wealthy businessman, built his fortune from scratch 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 relationships, reportedly involving up to 4,000 women, including actresses and ordinary individuals. Dubbed “Don Juan of Wakayama,” he was said to have spent 3 billion yen (approximately $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 she receive a monthly living allowance of 1 million yen (around $6,800). Despite public warnings that Sudo Saki might only be interested in his wealth, Nozaki was confident their marriage would bring him happiness.

However, just three months after their marriage, Japan was rocked by news of Nozaki Sosuke’s sudden death at his home. An autopsy revealed a large amount of stimulants in his system. Additionally, his pet dog had died 18 days earlier. Authorities suspected poisoning, and the primary suspect was his young wife, Sudo Saki. Still, the police lacked enough evidence to detain her at the time.

The Culprit Exposed 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 marriage. 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 she would inherit part of his fortune.

On the final evening, during dinner with her husband, Sudo Saki allegedly spiked his food with stimulants, causing his untimely death. Investigators also found incriminating searches on her mobile browser, including phrases like “how to murder,” “buying stimulants,” “overdosing on drugs,” and “the perfect murder trap.” In court, Sudo Saki denied the allegations, claiming 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 demanding a review of the investigation and a re-evaluation of the evidence to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for the perpetrator.