Commonalities Between Yuichi Nakamaru and Fuwa-chan Revealed in Suspension Announcement

KAT-TUN’s Yuichi Nakamaru, who was reported to have been secretly meeting with a female university student at an APA hotel in Tokyo, is currently suspended from his entertainment activities. Among some net users, the similarities between YouTuber comedian Fuwa-chan, who stirred controversy with an ‘inappropriate post’ about comedian Yasuko, and Nakamaru are a topic of discussion.

In January of this year, Nakamaru, who had a surprise marriage to former NTV announcer Rina Sasazaki, was thought to be leading a smooth married life. However, shocking articles about Nakamaru were published on August 7 on the news site ‘Bunshun Online’ and in the August 8 issue of ‘Weekly Bunshun.’

“The ‘Bunshun’ reporting team scooped that Nakamaru was secretly meeting with a female university student in her twenties who resembles actress Kanna Hashimoto at an APA hotel in Tokyo. According to A-san’s acquaintance, she said about Nakamaru, ‘We met about a year ago after being picked up on the street’ (original text unchanged). When the magazine’s reporter confronted A-san, she explained that she had only ‘talked with Nakamaru inside the APA hotel’ and emphasized that they were not in a frequent meeting relationship” (entertainment writer).

On the 7th, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT updated their official website with a document titled “Regarding Some Reports About Our Exclusive Contract Talent.” They criticized Nakamaru for taking “actions lacking self-awareness and responsibility as someone in a socially influential position,” and reported that he would be suspended from activities according to his own wishes.

Nakamaru himself also apologized, saying, “I am deeply sorry for causing great inconvenience to all involved due to my reckless behavior.” He added, “Most of all, I regret causing my wife sadness. I have nothing but remorse. My wife told me to ‘face myself properly.'” He also touched on his wife, Rina Sasazaki.

On the 8th, the Sports Nippon website “Sponichi Annex” reported on Nakamaru and Fuwa-chan’s “chronic lateness” amid Nakamaru’s behavioral issues and Fuwa-chan’s controversy over an abusive post.

Regarding Nakamaru’s conduct, a television industry insider revealed, “He was well-liked, but his habit of being late was a concern.” Some people felt that his repeated tardiness suggested a lack of self-management.

Additionally, another source mentioned in the same article, “Fuwa-chan, who is embroiled in the inappropriate post controversy, also had her lateness issues frequently highlighted. It is true that there were concerns about her self-management. It is whispered around that both Nakamaru and Fuwa-chan might have shown inability to control themselves.

“The catalyst for Fuwa-chan’s major controversy was a ‘mistake’ made on X (formerly Twitter). Initially, Yasuko posted on X about the Paris Olympics (July 26 to August 11) with the message, ‘Yasuko Olympics: Just living is great, so everyone is a winner,’ on August 2. Fuwa-chan responded by quoting this post and adding, ‘You are not great, so please die. You’re out in the preliminary rounds,’ complete with emojis” (previously mentioned source).

Fuwa-chan deleted the problematic post and later apologized at 11 PM on August 4, stating, “I am truly sorry. This is not something I should be reporting here, but I said something I shouldn’t have and hurt people. I will apologize directly to the person involved.” On August 5, Nippon Broadcasting announced the suspension of Fuwa-chan’s radio program, ‘Fuwa-chan’s All Night Nippon Zero,’ which she hosted and was scheduled to air late at night.

In response, Fuwa-chan quoted the program account’s post and expressed, “I deeply regret that my own post hurt the person involved and those who saw it. I am truly sorry.” It appears that this apology, along with the previously mentioned lateness issue, had similarities with Nakamaru’s situation.

“Fuwa-chan continues to express her ‘deep regret,’ and Nakamaru used the phrase ‘I have nothing but remorse for causing my wife sadness’ in his comment on the agency’s official site” (same source).

As a result, some net users have remarked:

“Nakamaru’s comment uses ‘regret’ instead of ‘reflection,’ which is similar to Fuwa-chan.”
“Both Fuwa-chan and Nakamaru would have continued their actions if they hadn’t been caught. So, neither seems to have ‘reflected’ on their actions, just ‘regret’ that they were exposed.”
“It seems that both Fuwa-chan and Nakamaru only regret getting caught, as interpreted from their statements. It’s disappointing.”

These are the voices that have been raised.

It has been revealed that Yasuko accepted Fuwa-chan’s apology, and the situation is gradually settling down. On the 11th, Fuwa-chan announced a suspension of her entertainment activities. Nakamaru, on the other hand, has been indefinitely suspended. During this time, it is hoped that both will reflect on their actions and emerge with renewed perspectives.