Sato Akira (26), better known as Mach25 bassist Shakan Bass, was one of three people arrested for marijuana possession. Sato is the most visible and popualr member of the group, often appearing on TV variety shows. Whereas such an arrest of a rapper in the US would be seen as almost essential for credibility, in Japan it’s portrayed as a betrayal of the group’s fans. The arrests followed investigations into the drug suppliers used by writer Nakajima Ramo (51), who was arrested back in February. Mach25 have been one of Japan’s foremost hip hop groups since their hit last year with “Sons of the Sun.” They are scheduled to play at several events this summer, including the Rock in Japan Festival 2003 on August 1.