Tokyo Midtown park now popular dating spot thanks to Kusanagi
TOKYO -
A “crime scene” in Roppongi has turned into a dating spot for couples, decorated with illuminations for Christmas and New Year’s.
Eight months have passed since policemen dragged away SMAP member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, found naked, drunk and shouting in the middle of the night. For a while after the incident, many had flocked to the park out of curiosity, but now Hinokicho Park has upgraded itself into a fashionable hot spot for couples who come to see the elaborate nighttime Christmas illuminations - not to mention the die-hard fans, including those who travel all the way from Korea where the Japanese idol is popular.
The bar, where Kusanagi got himself thoroughly intoxicated, was also packed with curious customers at the time. The owner reflects that the bar had been open for only a month back then, and had difficulty accommodating the number of people wanting to wine and dine where Kusanagi’s memorable night began. It appears that there still are plenty of fans who take pictures posing at the bar or the park bench where Kusanagi ostensibly sat, and upload the images to various blogs.
As for Kusanagi, he is scheduled to appear in this year’s NHK’s “Kohaku” program with his fellow SMAP members and will play the leading role in a film to be released in 2011. Back on track with his career, the bad experience has obviously been put behind him.
Source: www.japantoday.com/category/