Producer Arrested Following Support of Maika Yamamoto’s Smooth Transfer Amid Comment Controversy

On July 31, actress Maika Yamamoto announced via the official website of her former agency, Incent, that she would be leaving the company on this day.

The agency reported the transfer in a straightforward and simple manner, stating, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the fans who have supported us and to everyone involved who has provided tremendous support.” On the other hand, Yamamoto commented, “I have learned a lot over the past 13 years. Going forward, I want to use that knowledge and work in a way that is even more true to myself.” Rather than expressing gratitude to the agency that had supported her since her debut in 2011, her comments seemed more focused on her excitement for her new future, creating a somewhat discordant impression despite the agency’s description of a smooth departure.

At that time, Yamamoto had not yet mentioned her new agency. The day after the departure announcement, on August 1, she revealed on her Instagram that she would be transferring to Asia Promotion, the agency that represents actors Maryjun Takahashi (36) and model and talent Chihiro Kondo (34).

Just before the departure announcement, on July 24, it was reported by the news site Bunshun Online that Yamamoto had started dating Hiro (30), the vocalist of the rock band MY FIRST STORY, in May of this year and was living in a semi-cohabitation arrangement in a luxury apartment in Tokyo.

“Currently, Yamamoto is dating Hiro, but she discussed her move with her ex-boyfriend Kentaro Ito (27) while they were together, and it seems she consulted with him. According to reports, the producer who was introduced by Ito and supported Yamamoto’s transfer was Taku Hosokawa (41), who was arrested in July on suspicion of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in her twenties” (entertainment reporter).

At the time of his arrest, Taku Hosokawa was employed as a contract worker in management at Sony Group, a major record company. It was also revealed that he had previously managed Akihiro Nishino (44) of the comedy duo King Kong. Prior to this, he had even served as an executive at a subsidiary of TriStone Entertainment, the company headed by actor Shun Oguri (41), indicating his extensive connections within the entertainment industry.

“The new agency for Yamamoto had a deep connection with Hosokawa, and since Yamamoto was a prominent star, the transfer seems to have proceeded smoothly. It appears that the transfer discussions were already finalized at the time of Hosokawa’s arrest, but if the discussions had not been settled, the transfer might have been canceled” (entertainment reporter).

Yamamoto’s transfer, achieved through various relationships, revealed a noticeable “temperature gap” from the comments of her previous agency and Yamamoto herself. However, it seems that the current situation surrounding both parties played a significant role in this discrepancy.

“With Yamamoto, a popular actress and model, leaving the agency, it should be a significant blow to them. However, her behavior has always been quite straightforward and unrestrained, reflecting her original ‘Yankee’ nature. While this has garnered support from her peers, it may become increasingly challenging as she ages. Moreover, the reports about her relationships with Ito and Hiro have highlighted her romantic nature and its impact on her work.

Additionally, the agency has seen a young actress, Natsuki Deguchi (22), rapidly rise and now earn more than Yamamoto. Therefore, the impact of Yamamoto’s departure might not be as severe. While her decision to leave could be a setback, it may also be seen as an opportunity for the agency.

On the other hand, Yamamoto reportedly had disagreements with the agency over the direction of her career. Moreover, as long as she was with her previous agency, the ‘absolute ace’ was Mizuki Yamamoto (33), who shares her surname. However, Asia Promotion is primarily a model agency. Currently, the leading actor there is Maryjun Takahashi, but since their career paths are similar, Yamamoto may have the potential to become the next generation’s ace” (TV station insider).

In a way, it could be considered a form of “developmental dissolution.” In any case, it seems that the transfer was a win-win situation for both Yamamoto and her former agency.

 

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