Richard Kusama Released — What’s Next for Aぇ! group as Possibility of No Indictment Emerges?

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Aぇ! group member Keita Richard Kusama (29) was arrested and charged on October 4 for public indecency, and was released on the 6th. The arrest took place around 5:40 a.m. on October 4 near the entrance of a building in Shinjuku 2-chome, Shinjuku Ward, where he allegedly exposed his lower body.

Following the arrest, videos circulated on social media showing a man resembling Kusama loitering near the building’s entrance.

As a member of a popular group that had transferred from the former Johnny’s office to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, the impact of the incident was widespread.

The agency immediately announced Kusama’s suspension from all entertainment activities on the same day as his arrest. The episode of The! Tetsuwan! DASH!! (NTV), in which he had been scheduled to appear on October 5, was re-edited before airing.

Moreover, sponsors responded quickly. The skincare brand Avène and the haircare line Palty, both of which had featured Aぇ! group in their campaigns, removed all group images and videos from their official websites.

On October 7, Kansai-based TV program Aぇ!!!!!! Iko (MBS) also announced it would suspend broadcasting indefinitely. While fans are surely heartbroken, the situation has effectively placed collective responsibility on the entire group.

Appearing on Shunkan LIVE Toretate! (Fuji TV) broadcast on October 6, lawyer Toru Hashimoto commented—

“On the assumption that the facts have not yet been fully confirmed,

if this is a case of public indecency rather than sexual assault or sexual violence, I believe a strict warningwould be appropriate.”

However, with Kusama already suspended and his group’s CM deals and TV appearances withdrawn, Hashimoto’s idea of a mere strict warning now seems an impossible leniency.

Possible Non-Prosecution Under Suspended Indictment

“Why would he do something so wasteful? I doubt he’ll be able to return to The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!,” said a TV producer from an Osaka-based station in disbelief.

“Aぇ! group was being heavily promoted by STARTO Entertainment to television networks and was gaining strong traction as an idol group from Kansai. Of course, SUPER EIGHT and WEST. are popular too, but recently Naniwa Danshi achieved great success. Following that, the agency was putting serious focus on Aぇ! group and AmBitious in that order.

When program producers talked with the agency, Aぇ! group’s name almost always came up as a recommendation. At this rate, they were even being eyed for a Kōhaku Uta Gassen appearance — their path to stardom was practically assured. But now, they’ll likely be removed from the agency’s priority lineup. It’s truly such a waste.”

The fallout extends not only to Richard himself but to the entire group. Whether he was drunk or panicked for some reason remains unclear, and all eyes are now on the direction of the ongoing investigation.

This outlet reached out to attorney Kenta Morizane of Morizane Law Office for insight on what might happen next.

“Although he’s been released, the prosecution will decide whether or not to indict him based on further questioning and investigation.

If he had prior offenses or a pattern of similar behavior, prosecution would be more likely. However, if this was his first offense, and given that he has already shown remorse through public apology and suspension of activities, there’s a possibility he could receive suspended prosecution (kiso-yūyo) and not be formally charged.

If he had covered his lower body — say, with a shirt — so that it wasn’t visible to others, he likely wouldn’t have been arrested in the first place.”

For Aぇ! group, who were rapidly rising to fame, this incident has cast a heavy shadow.
For Richard, it’s surely a mistake he will regret for a long time to come.