(no subject)
briefly, because i -am- supposed to be doing my m.e. yapp middle eastern politics readings. have some news clips that i want to keep, so am putting them up here. they're all on the recent scandal with smap's kusanagi and drinking and being naked in public. argh honestly it wasnt that bad! if it was the uk or something it would totally be a non-issue. poor man. honestly, i think being in johnny's must require some kind of coping mechanism, which is why they -all- end up smoking and drinking like there's no freaking tomorrow.
SMAP's Kusanagi arrested for indecency
Thu, April 23, 2009 (12:00am EDT)
SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (34) has been arrested for public indecency after causing a disturbance and running around naked in Hinokicho Park near Tokyo Midtown late on Wednesday night.
At around 3:00am on April 23, residents in that area notified police that a naked man was making a lot of noise in the park. Officers arrived to find a drunken Kusanagi, and after he refused to heed their warnings, they arrested him on the spot for public indecency. Kusanagi is said to have openly defied the officers, answering them with "What's wrong with me being naked?" According to police, a breath analysis test taken 5 hours after Kusanagi's arrest detected a BrAC of 0.8 mg/L, well over the legal limit.
Kusanagi has been part of the super-popular group SMAP since 1988. As he is one of the industry's biggest stars, the incident is likely to have a big impact. He is already being pulled from several advertisements, including commercials promoting Japan's transition to all-digital broadcasts by 2011.
One of the most recent reports says that he has lost his somewhat regular role on NHK's "PythagoraSwitch." Fuji TV will likely have the toughest decision to make, as Kusanagi is a regular on four of the network's popular shows.
Kusanagi also has a starring role with Yui Aragaki in the movie "Ballad: Namonaki Koi no Uta" (directed by Takashi Yamazaki). Filming has already wrapped up and the picture was scheduled for a September 5 release, putting distributor Toho in a difficult spot. TV Asahi is also considering their options, as it had planned to run some TV specials about the film on weekends from April 25 to May 18.
http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-4688
SMAP's Kusanagi dropped from commercials, TV appearances in wake of arrest
The arrest of SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi on suspicion of public indecency has shocked his fans and the entertainment industry in Japan, and left his agency to deal with cancelled television commercials and finding a replacement in promotional material.
Pop group SMAP had their first of many hits with "Yozora no Muko," and Kusanagi expanded from music into acting in TV dramas, and later broke into film with a critically acclaimed performance in 2003's "Yomigaeri."
He also makes regular appearances on such variety programs as "SMAP x SMAP," "Pu'suma," and "Waratte Iitomo!" and had expanded his following into South Korea, where he acted and sang under the Korean reading of his name, Chonan Gang.
The public relations section of TV Asahi, which produces "Pu'suma," has said that it is currently "reviewing the content" of the next episode to be broadcast April 28. Fuji Television, which produces "SMAP x SMAP," "Waratte Iitomo" and two other programs Kusanagi regularly appears on, has said it is holding a meeting to decide what action to take regarding the programs. Further, public broadcaster NHK has stated that it wishes to postpone broadcast of episodes of the children's program "Pitagora Switch" narrated by Kusanagi.
Kusanagi has appeared in commercials and other promotional material to inform the public about the changeover from analogue to digital broadcasting since July 2006, which have been broadcast by NHK and other TV stations across Japan about 128,000 times per year. The Association for Promotion of Digital Broadcasting has asked broadcasters to take the commercials off the air, and has begun looking into a replacement to appear on posters and flyers.
Major manufacturers Toyota Motor Co. and Proctor & Gamble have also suspended marketing campaigns featuring Kusanagi.
Meanwhile, the Toho film studio, which will distribute the film "BALLAD Na mo Naki Koi no Uta" starring Kusanagi and set for general release Sept. 5, stated, "We will consult with all those involved, and hope to make a judgment regarding the film's release."
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20090423p2a00m0na030000c.html
this link is interesting because it shows johnny's the BUILDING. hmmm.
more detailed piece on what he actually said at the press conference, rather sad, really.
SMAP's Kusanagi apologizes to fans at press conference; admits drinking problem
Saturday 25th April, 06:30 AM JST
TOKYO -
Disgraced pop star Tsuyoshi Kusanagi on Friday apologized in person to his fans in Japan and other Asian countries for being arrested for stripping naked under the influence of alcohol and said he does not know when he can resume his activities as a celebrity.
The 34-year-old member of popular music group SMAP also admitted that he had been warned by his fellow group members about his preference for drinking before the incident took place a day before, as he appeared in a packed press conference room in Tokyo hours after he was released from detention.
‘‘I had always been aware of the fact that I am a member of SMAP and have to act properly, and that young children and elderly people support me, but I drank too much and that was my weakness,’’ Kusanagi, wearing a black suit, said.
‘‘I also caused concern to fans in countries other than Japan. I can only say that I’m very sorry,’’ he said in front of some 300 reporters, including those from South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The incident has caused ripples in Japan, with companies including Toyota Motor Corp. hurriedly canceling TV commercials that feature Kusanagi and to remove his image from TV programs. It also shocked South Korea, where the singer, who is fluent in Korean, is popular.
His lawyer, who also attended the press conference, stressed that he has no memory of the incident, but probably ‘‘felt high for some reason’’ after drinking and stripped naked at a central Tokyo park in the early hours Thursday.
He said Kusanagi may have been under the impression that he had already reached his home, as his clothes were also found at the scene. The park is located close to the apartment building where he lives.
Kusanagi said that he had once stripped down to his shorts at his home when he was drinking with Shingo Katori, another SMAP member, but had not stripped naked in public.
But he admitted that SMAP colleagues had warned him earlier that ‘‘too much drinking would not be good for my health.’’
‘‘Maybe they had been thinking this kind of incident could happen, but I failed to respond (to their warnings) appropriately,’’ Kusanagi said.
He has had conversations with other SMAP members over the phone since the incident. ‘‘They were worried about my health...They gave me kind words,’’ he said.
He also said ‘‘it’s hard’’ for him to suspend his activities as a performer, but added that he must reflect on what he did.
‘‘I don’t know when I can restart my activities,’’ he said.
Asked how he will handle alcohol from now on, Kusanagi said, ‘‘I don’t feel like drinking at all now’’ but added that he hopes one day he can enjoy drinking ‘‘as an adult.’’
http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/smaps-kusanagi-released-following-arrest-for-indecency
even the BBC covered it! AND the times, omg! honestly, i first knew about it because my flatmate - who isn't that interested in japan/ je boys but knows that i am - read the times and told me about it.
Naked Japanese singer apologises
A Japanese pop singer who was arrested for public indecency after being found drunk and naked in a Tokyo park has apologised for his "shameful" conduct.
"I drank a lot and did not know what I was doing," Tsuyoshi Kusanagi said on Friday after being released by police.
"I deeply apologise to fans for causing so much trouble and worry," he added.
Kusanagi, 34, shot to fame as a member of 1980s boy band SMAP. He has not been charged for the incident, which took place in the early hours of Thursday.
At the time of his arrest, Kusanagi was allegedly sitting on the grass, undressed and heavily intoxicated.
Local media reports said he had drunk more than 10 glasses of Japanese rice wine and beer before going to the park.
His arrest has been a major news story in Japan, where Kusanagi is the face of a government campaign to get the public to switch to digital television.
Since the arrest, Toyota Motor Corp and other leading companies have cancelled commercials featuring the star.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8017268.stm
SMAP's Kusanagi arrested for indecency
Thu, April 23, 2009 (12:00am EDT)
SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (34) has been arrested for public indecency after causing a disturbance and running around naked in Hinokicho Park near Tokyo Midtown late on Wednesday night.
At around 3:00am on April 23, residents in that area notified police that a naked man was making a lot of noise in the park. Officers arrived to find a drunken Kusanagi, and after he refused to heed their warnings, they arrested him on the spot for public indecency. Kusanagi is said to have openly defied the officers, answering them with "What's wrong with me being naked?" According to police, a breath analysis test taken 5 hours after Kusanagi's arrest detected a BrAC of 0.8 mg/L, well over the legal limit.
Kusanagi has been part of the super-popular group SMAP since 1988. As he is one of the industry's biggest stars, the incident is likely to have a big impact. He is already being pulled from several advertisements, including commercials promoting Japan's transition to all-digital broadcasts by 2011.
One of the most recent reports says that he has lost his somewhat regular role on NHK's "PythagoraSwitch." Fuji TV will likely have the toughest decision to make, as Kusanagi is a regular on four of the network's popular shows.
Kusanagi also has a starring role with Yui Aragaki in the movie "Ballad: Namonaki Koi no Uta" (directed by Takashi Yamazaki). Filming has already wrapped up and the picture was scheduled for a September 5 release, putting distributor Toho in a difficult spot. TV Asahi is also considering their options, as it had planned to run some TV specials about the film on weekends from April 25 to May 18.
http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-4688
SMAP's Kusanagi dropped from commercials, TV appearances in wake of arrest
The arrest of SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi on suspicion of public indecency has shocked his fans and the entertainment industry in Japan, and left his agency to deal with cancelled television commercials and finding a replacement in promotional material.
Pop group SMAP had their first of many hits with "Yozora no Muko," and Kusanagi expanded from music into acting in TV dramas, and later broke into film with a critically acclaimed performance in 2003's "Yomigaeri."
He also makes regular appearances on such variety programs as "SMAP x SMAP," "Pu'suma," and "Waratte Iitomo!" and had expanded his following into South Korea, where he acted and sang under the Korean reading of his name, Chonan Gang.
The public relations section of TV Asahi, which produces "Pu'suma," has said that it is currently "reviewing the content" of the next episode to be broadcast April 28. Fuji Television, which produces "SMAP x SMAP," "Waratte Iitomo" and two other programs Kusanagi regularly appears on, has said it is holding a meeting to decide what action to take regarding the programs. Further, public broadcaster NHK has stated that it wishes to postpone broadcast of episodes of the children's program "Pitagora Switch" narrated by Kusanagi.
Kusanagi has appeared in commercials and other promotional material to inform the public about the changeover from analogue to digital broadcasting since July 2006, which have been broadcast by NHK and other TV stations across Japan about 128,000 times per year. The Association for Promotion of Digital Broadcasting has asked broadcasters to take the commercials off the air, and has begun looking into a replacement to appear on posters and flyers.
Major manufacturers Toyota Motor Co. and Proctor & Gamble have also suspended marketing campaigns featuring Kusanagi.
Meanwhile, the Toho film studio, which will distribute the film "BALLAD Na mo Naki Koi no Uta" starring Kusanagi and set for general release Sept. 5, stated, "We will consult with all those involved, and hope to make a judgment regarding the film's release."
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20090423p2a00m0na030000c.html
this link is interesting because it shows johnny's the BUILDING. hmmm.
more detailed piece on what he actually said at the press conference, rather sad, really.
SMAP's Kusanagi apologizes to fans at press conference; admits drinking problem
Saturday 25th April, 06:30 AM JST
TOKYO -
Disgraced pop star Tsuyoshi Kusanagi on Friday apologized in person to his fans in Japan and other Asian countries for being arrested for stripping naked under the influence of alcohol and said he does not know when he can resume his activities as a celebrity.
The 34-year-old member of popular music group SMAP also admitted that he had been warned by his fellow group members about his preference for drinking before the incident took place a day before, as he appeared in a packed press conference room in Tokyo hours after he was released from detention.
‘‘I had always been aware of the fact that I am a member of SMAP and have to act properly, and that young children and elderly people support me, but I drank too much and that was my weakness,’’ Kusanagi, wearing a black suit, said.
‘‘I also caused concern to fans in countries other than Japan. I can only say that I’m very sorry,’’ he said in front of some 300 reporters, including those from South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The incident has caused ripples in Japan, with companies including Toyota Motor Corp. hurriedly canceling TV commercials that feature Kusanagi and to remove his image from TV programs. It also shocked South Korea, where the singer, who is fluent in Korean, is popular.
His lawyer, who also attended the press conference, stressed that he has no memory of the incident, but probably ‘‘felt high for some reason’’ after drinking and stripped naked at a central Tokyo park in the early hours Thursday.
He said Kusanagi may have been under the impression that he had already reached his home, as his clothes were also found at the scene. The park is located close to the apartment building where he lives.
Kusanagi said that he had once stripped down to his shorts at his home when he was drinking with Shingo Katori, another SMAP member, but had not stripped naked in public.
But he admitted that SMAP colleagues had warned him earlier that ‘‘too much drinking would not be good for my health.’’
‘‘Maybe they had been thinking this kind of incident could happen, but I failed to respond (to their warnings) appropriately,’’ Kusanagi said.
He has had conversations with other SMAP members over the phone since the incident. ‘‘They were worried about my health...They gave me kind words,’’ he said.
He also said ‘‘it’s hard’’ for him to suspend his activities as a performer, but added that he must reflect on what he did.
‘‘I don’t know when I can restart my activities,’’ he said.
Asked how he will handle alcohol from now on, Kusanagi said, ‘‘I don’t feel like drinking at all now’’ but added that he hopes one day he can enjoy drinking ‘‘as an adult.’’
http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/smaps-kusanagi-released-following-arrest-for-indecency
even the BBC covered it! AND the times, omg! honestly, i first knew about it because my flatmate - who isn't that interested in japan/ je boys but knows that i am - read the times and told me about it.
Naked Japanese singer apologises
A Japanese pop singer who was arrested for public indecency after being found drunk and naked in a Tokyo park has apologised for his "shameful" conduct.
"I drank a lot and did not know what I was doing," Tsuyoshi Kusanagi said on Friday after being released by police.
"I deeply apologise to fans for causing so much trouble and worry," he added.
Kusanagi, 34, shot to fame as a member of 1980s boy band SMAP. He has not been charged for the incident, which took place in the early hours of Thursday.
At the time of his arrest, Kusanagi was allegedly sitting on the grass, undressed and heavily intoxicated.
Local media reports said he had drunk more than 10 glasses of Japanese rice wine and beer before going to the park.
His arrest has been a major news story in Japan, where Kusanagi is the face of a government campaign to get the public to switch to digital television.
Since the arrest, Toyota Motor Corp and other leading companies have cancelled commercials featuring the star.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8017268.stm