Jesse’s Relationship with Haruka Ayase Highlights Challenges in Idol Crisis Management

The relationship report between Haruka Ayase, a national actress, and Jesse from SixTONES, who is significantly younger, has caused quite a stir in the industry. Although it marks the birth of a big couple, it seems to have shaken Jesse’s fans deeply.

While there are supportive messages on social media, there are overwhelmingly more posts filled with resentment and anger. This is because Jesse has responded to the report by “Woman Seven” through his personal agency.

“Please leave the private matters to us! We are getting along well. Boom!”

The comment was perceived by many fans as a self-centered and thoughtless remark that didn’t consider the feelings of the fans.

To those unfamiliar, “Boom” might seem like a joke, but it is actually his signature catchphrase. At concerts, fans collectively shout “Boom” as the final cheer. It holds significant meaning both for him and for the fans.

So, the fans might interpret his sincerity from this.

How the fans accept this is another matter. Even with changing times, some fans find it hard to be genuinely happy about it. Such fans often end up quitting and finding another favorite to support.

However, that’s still the better outcome. Sometimes, fans may go as far as harassing the woman involved.

 

In the past, there have been actresses who received harassment, such as having their homes stalked by “Johnny’s fans” or receiving razor blades, simply for having appeared in a drama with former Johnny’s talents, without even being in a relationship. Therefore, idols have always taken the utmost care to avoid having their relationships exposed. They were cautious about not speaking about marriage recklessly and, if they did marry, they timed it very carefully.

This was possible because the idols were aware of their situation and because their agencies effectively managed these matters.

“The classic example is former Johnny’s talents. Although there were exceptions, the general rule for active idols was that dating was prohibited. If a relationship was discovered, they would be immediately broken up.

Once idols reached a certain age and became veterans, their agencies would allow relationships. However, if the relationship became known to fans, it would ultimately lead to a drop in popularity, reduced concert attendance, and lower merchandise sales. Therefore, agencies always maintained a strict guard to prevent such news from leaking and to protect the idols from media scrutiny.” (said a female magazine reporter)

As you know, the former Johnny’s Entertainment agency was effectively dissolved due to the sexual abuse issues involving Johnny Kitagawa. Management responsibilities were transferred to “STARTO ENTERTAINMENT,” and “SixTONES” also became affiliated with this new agency.

The new agency offers two types of contracts: management contracts and agent contracts. “SixTONES” has signed a management contract.

The main difference between these contracts is that with a management contract, the agency handles everything, including securing work, dealing with media, and managing schedules. In contrast, an agent contract requires the talent to manage their own schedule, handle issues, and interact with the media.

While it was expected that “STARTO” would issue a comment on behalf of “SixTONES,” it turns out that Jesse had established a personal agency before the news broke. Although the group has a management contract with “STARTO,” Jesse’s individual arrangement seems to require his personal agency to handle media relations and other matters.

It’s not that having a personal agency is inherently problematic, but:

“If there had been experienced and skilled staff in the personal agency, the situation might have been different.”

This is what a manager from a major talent agency has to say:

“When managing popular idols, it’s normal to focus on media relations as well as media management strategies. While talent management is handled thoroughly, it becomes quite challenging with a personal agency. For veteran talents who are less likely to cause scandals, it might be manageable, but for younger individuals like him, I believe having a ‘mentor’ is still necessary.” (The manager from the same agency)

However, even if they had remained under a management contract, the situation might not have changed much. This is because “STARTO” has been clear from the beginning about respecting the personal wishes of the talent and not imposing strict management like traditional talent agencies. Therefore, it is speculated that Jesse’s comments, which might irritate fans, could not have been entirely prevented.

Nonetheless, if the two were to marry, fans would likely come to terms with it, and there would be few who would oppose it.

“This is because Haruka Ayase is an actress who is so well-loved that she is considered a national treasure. Jesse’s fans are not angry with her. Even if they don’t want to accept it, they would have to come to terms with it if there’s no valid reason to oppose.” (said the manager)

While expectations for the marriage grow, the question remains whether we will ever hear a joyful comment from Ayase herself.