STARTO Entertainment Announces Indefinite Suspension of Junior Member After Smoking Photo Leak

An image believed to show an underage member smoking

Does he lack awareness as an idol?

A junior member of “STARTO ENTERTAINMENT” (formerly Johnny & Associates) is now facing allegations of underage smoking.

The issue surfaced on March 1 when an image, seemingly showing a male smoking, was leaked on X. The individual in question is Terasawa Kotoju (17) from the junior unit “Go!Go!kids.”

“Terasawa Kotoju, underage smoking is illegal. You personally rent this monthly parking space, so you should recognize the location. Are you still going to deny it? The image quality is bad, but the outerwear matches, and in the second photo, you can clearly see smoke.”

The image appears to show a young man lighting a cigarette and smoking in what looks like a bicycle parking area. Though the image is blurry and not clear, the photographer seemingly took it believing it was Terasawa. A comparison photo of similar outerwear he often wears was also posted. As of March 4, the post has been viewed over 5.2 million times, drawing attention even beyond his fan base.

Although the legal age of adulthood in Japan has been lowered to 18, smoking and drinking remain prohibited for those under 20 by law.

 

The junior group was just recently reorganized

When it comes to junior smoking scandals, former AmBitious member Riku Koshiba, from the nine-member unit produced by SUPER EIGHT’s Tadayoshi Ohkura, was previously caught in a similar controversy. A video of him smoking while underage surfaced on social media, leading to an indefinite suspension in June 2023. He later left STARTO ENTERTAINMENT in 2024.

Additionally, in June of last year, bedroom photos and LINE conversations of AmBitious member Gaku Kawashita were leaked, further suggesting a decline in discipline among junior groups.

On February 16, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT announced a major restructuring of the junior division, 

reassigning members from HiHi Jets, Bishonen, 7 MEN Samurai, and Shonen Ninja into three new groups: ACEes (Aces), KEY TO LIT (Kiterezu), and B&ZAI (Banzai).

Despite the company’s efforts to revamp its junior division, the smoking scandal involving one of the youngest members casts a shadow over its future. When asked for a statement, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT responded via email:

“We are currently verifying the facts.”

Later, on March 5, the company officially announced on the Junior Official Website that Kotoyu Terasawa would be placed on indefinite suspension from entertainment activities.

With the dissolution of Johnny & Associates, concerns have arisen regarding a decline in motivation among junior members. The question remains—will they develop the awareness and responsibility expected of an idol?