Popular Japanese singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara was sentenced Monday to two years in prison, suspended for three years, for possessing illegal drugs.

In handing down the ruling, the Tokyo District Court said the possession was a "malign crime reflecting his lack of hesitation toward illegal drugs."

Still, Judge Masashi Sakata gave Makihara the suspended term, saying he "showed remorse and pledged to stay away (from drugs)."