Tokyo: Japanese footballer Kaishu Sano has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman, as reported by local media on Wednesday.

According to unnamed police sources cited by Japan's public broadcaster NHK and other outlets, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder, along with two friends in their 20s, allegedly assaulted the woman at a hotel in Tokyo on Sunday.

Following the woman's immediate report of the incident, police apprehended the trio near the hotel, the reports said.

When contacted by AFP, Japanese police were not immediately available for comment.

Sano, who has represented Japan four times and was part of the squad at this year's Asian Cup in Qatar, recently transferred to German Bundesliga club Mainz from Kashima Antlers.

Mainz expressed surprise over reports of Sano's arrest in a statement on X, stating, "We are unable to evaluate or comment on these reports due to a lack of information. We will work to clarify the matter as quickly and comprehensively as possible."

Kashima Antlers also issued a statement expressing deep concern over the reports regarding their former player.

"Due to the nature of the matter, the club is unable to confirm further details but will monitor the situation closely," the J.League club stated.

Earlier this year, another Japanese footballer, Junya Ito of French club Reims, left the Asian Cup amid a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in Osaka. Ito has denied the allegation and is pursuing legal action against his accusers for damages totaling 200 million yen ($1.3 million). AFP