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.

 

She would be perfectly fine.

“It’s unfortunate about Ainosuke-san’s injury, but I’ve heard that it isn’t a serious injury that will cause lasting aftereffects. Norika-san is dealing with her agency’s bankruptcy and reports of 40 million yen being embezzled, all while her husband’s injury overlaps with these issues. As both an actress and a kabuki wife, it must be incredibly challenging for her.

However, in the kabuki world, while it might sound strange, injuries to actors and financial troubles are not uncommon, and there’s a certain level of acceptance of these occurrences. As such, it hasn’t become a major scandal. I believe this is just another trial given to them, and I hope they can overcome it. Honestly, for her, I think it’s absolutely no problem.”

The statement “financial troubles are not uncommon” is surprising, but what kind of issues typically arise in the kabuki world?

“The biggest issue is debt arising from unsold ticket quotas. While actors focus on performing, the job of kabuki wives is to sell tickets. Each actor has a manager who assists with ticket sales, making rounds to greet patrons, even when their husband isn’t performing, and helping out at the theater to connect with audiences.

Kabuki performances are held on a monthly basis, and any unsold tickets at the end of the month must be bought by the actor themselves. This makes it easy to accrue debts as high as 40 million yen. Repaying these debts is also considered part of the kabuki wife’s responsibilities,” explained the kabuki wife.

Many actors face spiraling debts they can’t repay, leaving them in dire financial straits. Even a famous kabuki actor who passed away a few years ago reportedly had tens of millions of yen in debt at the time of his retirement. As for Norika’s case…

A full comeback is not far off.

“Ainosuke-san is a popular actor who can draw audiences, and Norika-san also has her own work as an actress. I believe they can recover the 40 million yen fairly quickly. Although I haven’t heard any specifics from Norika-san, she’s likely focused on supporting Ainosuke-san’s recovery right now.

She has an incredibly strong mental fortitude, something all kabuki professionals recognize. She never complains or shows weakness. As someone who fully embodies the ideal image of a kabuki wife as perceived by her seniors, I think there’s a good chance the couple will make a swift comeback, even sooner than people expect,” said a Shochiku insider.

On December 12, Norika updated her Instagram, sharing a Story post with a photo of her homemade dish, accompanied by the caption:

“Some great meat arrived, so I made a sukiyaki rice bowl with plenty of Awaji Island onions, scallions, and myoga, topped with egg.”
“So happy to finish it all!”

With such a resilient spirit, it seems the couple’s full comeback isn’t far off.