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.