Aぇ! group Member Keita Richard Kusama Arrested for Indecent Exposure

Keita Richard Kusama (29), a member of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT's popular idol group "Aぇ! group", was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on the 4th on suspicion of indecent exposure.

Kusama is suspected of exposing his lower body near the entrance of a building in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, around 5:30 AM on the same day. The incident came to light after a witness reported it. According to sources, Kusama was reportedly intoxicated at the time and, after his arrest, is said to have stated that he "wanted to attract attention from many people." There are also reports that a video capturing the entire incident was posted on a streaming site.

This arrest has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Yoshinori Masakado, another member of Aぇ! group, canceled a scheduled Instagram Live. The popular program 'The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!' where Kusama appeared, decided to urgently replace its broadcast content, and various parties are scrambling to respond. It is unavoidable that the group's overall activities, including Aぇ! group's regular show, and upcoming CD singles, albums, and LIVE DVDs, will be affected.

On social media, there are comments pointing out a series of past scandals involving talents formerly associated with Johnny & Associates (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT), especially arrests and misconduct by members who appeared on 'The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!'. Comments like "Tetsuwan DASH related again" and "Tetsuwan DASH must be cursed" are frequently seen. Fans are expressing widespread concern for the group's future.

The context

This article reports on the arrest of Keita Richard Kusama, a member of the Japanese idol group "Aぇ! group," for indecent exposure. "Aぇ! group" is a popular male idol group managed by STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, the successor company to the long-standing and highly influential talent agency, Johnny & Associates. The group's activities, including their regular shows and future music releases, are expected to be significantly impacted by this incident.

The program 'The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!' (ザ！鉄腕！DASH!!) is a highly popular and long-running variety show on NTV, known for its cast members (often male idols from Johnny & Associates/STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) undertaking challenging and often physically demanding projects, such as building farms or developing islands. The show has a loyal following, and scandals involving its cast members tend to draw significant public attention, as highlighted by social media comments referenced in the article, linking this incident to previous controversies involving other 'Tetsuwan! DASH!!' performers.