Norika Fujiwara & Ainosuke Kataoka: Agency Collapse and Injury

Reports of 40 million yen being spent by the president of their office

On November 27, the talent agency “Someday,” which actress Norika Fujiwara (53) and former AKB actress Mariko Shinoda (38) were affiliated with, announced its bankruptcy on its official website. The sudden development at the long-established talent agency was a shock to the entertainment industry, but what surprised people even more was the fact that the agency’s two marquee actresses were not informed beforehand.

“Shinoda reportedly mentioned at the set of the ongoing drama Undercover Siblings: Special Fraud Investigation Agents (NTV) that she had not been informed of the bankruptcy. Moreover, on December 11, she announced on her social media that she would continue her activities independently,” said a sports newspaper journalist.

Meanwhile, a series of additional troubles struck Fujiwara.

On November 29, her husband, kabuki actor Ainosuke Kataoka (52), sustained injuries during rehearsals after colliding with stage equipment. Diagnosed with fractures of the maxilla and coccyx, Shochiku, the organizer of kabuki productions, announced that his return date was undecided. He has been absent from the Kaomise Kabuki Performances that began on December 1. Furthermore, another shocking report emerged.

“According to Shukan Josei PRIME (published online on December 2), the president of Someday allegedly misused a temporary investment fund of 40 million yen, which Fujiwara had raised from partner companies for stage production ticket fees, to repay debts—without her consent. The article noted that Fujiwara was deeply shocked by this betrayal by the president she had worked with through thick and thin for years,” the journalist added.

Fujiwara has yet to comment on these calamities, prompting concern among fans. However, one kabuki insider shared their thoughts on the matter.