A popular Japanese actor who was hired to be the healthy face of an alcoholic beer was shot after he got drunk and broke into his neighbor's home, officials said.
Beverages giant Asahi Breweries booked Ryo Yoshizawa — who one fashion magazine described as having “the beauty of a national treasure class” — for an ad for its 3.5-percent Super Dry Crystal beer.
But the 30-year-old, one of Japan's most popular actors, returned home on December 30, possibly after eating something stronger.
Yoshizawa was “drunk” and “accidentally made his way into an adjacent apartment room,” his talent agency Amus said in a statement on Monday.
“I've lost my memories. I think I went in without asking, because I wanted to use the dining room,” local media quoted Yoshizawa as telling police.
“We have decided to terminate our contract” with Yoshizawa, Asahi Group Holdings spokeswoman Shiori Shimizu told AFP on Tuesday.
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“As an alcohol company, we believe his actions are unacceptable,” Shimizu said. “We will no longer use him in our future advertisements.”
Yoshizawa apologized to his surprised neighbor for the “big trouble he caused,” Amuse said, adding that the actor had already left the apartment.
Yoshizawa has about 80 screen credits, according to IMDB. Last year, the actor starred as
a young man with deaf parents in the drama, “Living in Two Worlds,” the Japan Times reportedHis new movie “National Treasure” is scheduled to open on June 6, 2025, according to his Instagram page.
according to Tokyo ReporterYoshizawa's agency released a statement saying in part: “We would like to sincerely apologize to (Yoshizawa's) fans and related parties for the worry and inconvenience we have caused. “
Like other countries, drinking has been declining in Japan, with a low percentage and non-alcoholic beverages – and even avoiding – is becoming popular, especially among young people.
