A well-known Japanese actor, Ryo Yoshizawa, has been dismissed as the face of a low-alcohol beer brand after an incident involving drunkenness and an unintentional break-in at his neighbor’s apartment, according to officials.
Asahi Breweries had featured Yoshizawa, described by a fashion magazine as having “national treasure-class handsomeness,” in a commercial for its 3.5% Super Dry Dry Crystal beer.
However, on December 30, the 30-year-old actor, one of Japan’s most popular, reportedly returned home after consuming a stronger drink.
Yoshizawa was “intoxicated” and “accidentally entered a neighboring apartment,” his talent agency, Amuse, revealed in a statement on Monday.
“I’ve lost my memories. I think I just went in without asking, because I wanted to use the bathroom,” Yoshizawa was quoted by local media as telling police.
“We have decided to terminate our contract” with Yoshizawa, Asahi Group Holdings spokesperson Shiori Shimizu told AFP Tuesday.
“As an alcohol beverage company, we consider his actions unacceptable”, Shimizu said.
“We will no longer use him in our future advertisements,” she added.
Yoshizawa apologized to his startled neighbor for the “significant trouble he caused,” his talent agency, Amuse, stated, adding that the actor has since vacated the apartment.
In Japan, as in other countries, alcohol consumption has been on the decline. Low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers have gained popularity, particularly among younger people, alongside a growing trend of abstinence.