Photo/Illutration Actor Hiroya Shimizu (From the website of Office Saku)

Popular young actor Hiroya Shimizu, best known for his role in the hit film series “Tokyo Revengers,” was arrested on Sept. 3 on suspicion of marijuana possession.

In police questioning, Shimizu, 26, admitted that he first tried the drug while studying in Los Angeles at age 20 and began using it more frequently after returning to Japan.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department suspects the actor of violating the Narcotics Control Law, specifically for jointly possessing marijuana.

Shimizu reportedly admitted to the charge.

A woman in her 20s who lives with him was also arrested on the same charge.

According to investigative sources, Shimizu and the woman are suspected of possessing a quantity of dried marijuana at their home in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward prior to July 10.

Police began investigating Shimizu in January after receiving a tip that he was using marijuana.

On the morning of the arrest, officers searched Shimizu's residence and found a substance resembling marijuana along with rolling papers likely used for smoking on a table. Forensic analysis confirmed about 0.4 gram of dried marijuana.

During questioning, Shimizu reportedly explained that he was first introduced to marijuana when he stayed in Los Angeles to study English when he was around 20.

“I was invited to a home party and was offered marijuana rolled in papers like a cigarette,” he said, according to sources.

After returning to Japan, when he was around 21 or 22, Shimizu said he began using the drug again to “experience the feelings of euphoria and relaxation.”

Though he had periods without using marijuana, Shimizu told investigators that his usage increased about two years ago when his TV appearances and income rose.

Shimizu added, “Since the beginning of this year, I have started smoking marijuana several times a month,” according to sources.

Police are investigating where he obtained the drug and the route through which it was supplied.

In response to the arrest, Shimizu’s talent agency, Office Saku, issued a statement on its website.

“We first learned of this news from this morning’s breaking reports and are deeply troubled," the agency said. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused.”

Currently, Shimizu stars in “19 banmeno karute,” an ongoing drama series broadcast by Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc.

TBS announced that it is working toward editing out Shimizu's scenes from the program in light of the news.