A popular Japanese actor hired to be the wholesome face of a low-alcohol beer was fired after breaking into his neighbor’s house, authorities said.
Beverage giant Asahi Breweries has hired Ryo Yoshizawa (who, according to one fashion magazine, has “a national treasure look”) for an ad for its Super Dry Crystal 3. 5% beer.
But the 30-year-old, one of Japan’s most popular actors, returned home on December 30 perhaps having consumed something stronger.
Yoshizawa was “drunk” and “accidently made his way into an apartment room next to his,” his talent agency Amuse said in a statement Monday.
“I lost my memory. I think I came in without asking because I wanted to go to the bathroom,” Yoshizawa told police, quoted by local media.
“We have to terminate our contract” with Yoshizawa, Asahi Group Holdings spokeswoman Shiori Shimizu told AFP on Tuesday.
“As an alcoholic beverage company, we find their moves unacceptable,” Shimizu said. “We will no longer use it in our long-term ads. “
Yoshizawa apologized to his shocked neighbor for the “major thing he caused,” Amuse said, adding that the actor had already left the apartment.
Yoshizawa has on-screen credits, according to IMDB. Last year the actor played the role.
a deaf young man in the drama “Living in Two Worlds,” The Japan Times reported. His new film “National Treasure” is scheduled to be released on June 6, 2025, according to his Instagram page.
According to Tokyo Reporter, Yoshizawa’s agency issued a statement saying in part: “We would like to sincerely apologize to [Yoshizawa’s] fans and related parties for the concern and inconvenience we have caused.”
Like other countries, drinking has been declining in Japan, with low-percentage and alcohol-free beverages — and even abstaining — growing in popularity, especially among younger people.