Popular Japanese Actor Ryo Yoshizawa Fired from Beer Ad After Drunken Incident

Preview

A popular Japanese actor, Ryo Yoshizawa, has been fired from his role as the face of a low-alcohol beer advertisement after a drunken incident where he broke into his neighbor's home. Yoshizawa, known for his "national treasure-class handsomeness," was hired by Asahi Breweries to promote their 3.5-percent Super Dry Dry Crystal beer. However, on December 30, Yoshizawa returned home apparently drunk and mistakenly entered his neighbor's apartment. He claimed to have lost his memory and believed he entered the apartment to use the bathroom.

Following the incident, Yoshizawa's talent agency, Amuse, announced that they had decided to terminate his contract. Asahi Group Holdings spokesperson Shiori Shimizu stated that Yoshizawa's actions were unacceptable for a brand promoting low-alcohol beverages, and they would no longer use him in future advertisements. Yoshizawa publicly apologized to his neighbor for the trouble he caused and has since vacated the apartment.

This incident highlights the growing trend in Japan of declining alcohol consumption, with a shift towards low-percentage and alcohol-free beers, particularly among younger people.