Japanese actor fired from beer commercial after drunken affair

A popular Japanese actor who was hired to be a wholesome face for a low-alcohol beer was fired after breaking into his neighbor’s home while drunk, officials said.

Beverage giant Asahi Breweries booked Ryo Yoshizawa, who a fashion magazine said had “a beauty of the national treasure class,” for a commercial for its 3.5 percent Super Dry Dry Crystal beer.

But the 30-year-old, one of Japan’s most popular actors, returned home on December 30, perhaps after consuming something stronger.

Yoshizawa was “drunk” and “accidentally walked into a room next to him,” his talent agency Amuse said in a statement Monday.

“I lost my memories. I think I just went in without asking because I wanted to use the toilet,” Yoshizawa told police, reported by local media.

“We have decided to terminate our contract with Yoshizawa,” Asahi Group Holdings spokesman Shiori Shimizu told AFP on Tuesday.

“As an alcoholic beverage company, we find his actions unacceptable,” Shimizu said.

“We will not be using him in our future commercials,” she added.

Yoshizawa apologized to his surprised neighbor for the “big trouble he caused,” Amuse said, adding that the actor had already vacated the apartment.

Like other countries, alcohol consumption has declined in Japan, with low-proof and non-alcoholic beer – and even abstinence – becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger people.

tmo/stu/mtp