One of Japan’s most popular actors, hired to promote a low-alcohol beer, was fired by the manufacturer after drunkenly breaking into a neighbor’s house, the company said. “I don’t remember it anymore. I think I came in without asking, because I wanted to use the bathroom,” the person, Ryo Yoshizawa, 30, told police, according to local media.
Beverages giant Asahi Breweries had cast the star, whose beauty a fashion magazine described as a national treasure, for an advert for its 3.5% ABV Super Dry Dry Crystal beer. But Ryo Yoshizawa returned home on December 30 after possibly consuming something stronger. He was “drunk” and “accidentally broke into an apartment next door to his own,” his talent agency Amuse admitted in a statement Monday.
“These actions are unacceptable”
“We have decided to end our contract” with this actor, Shiori Shimizu, spokesperson for Asahi Group Holdings, told AFP on Tuesday. “As an alcoholic beverage company, we find these actions unacceptable,” Shiori Shimizu added. “We will no longer use them in our advertisements in the future,” added Ryo Yoshizawa, who apologized to his surprised neighbor for the “significant inconvenience he has caused.” ” Amuse said, adding that the actor had already moved on.
As elsewhere, alcohol consumption is declining in Japan and low- or no-alcohol beers, or even abstinence, are gaining popularity, particularly among young people.
Source: BFM TV
