Yuichi Nakamaru’s Lonely Back Photo Shows Zero Fans Waiting Just 10 Months After His Return

Suspended for secret meeting at APA Hotel with a female college student

A little after 6 p.m., having finished the live broadcast, Nakamaru heads home. He has been increasing his work on local stations, starting with Tokyo MX.

Even though fan post-broadcast waiting is customary for his appearances on Goji ni Muchū!

“It’s really wonderful news, isn’t it? I’m so happy.”

“We spent a whole month together during a stage production, but lately we only see each other once or twice a year.”

Former KAT-TUN member and new commentator Yūichi Nakamaru (42) spoke lightly on the October 15 episode of Goji ni Muchū! (TOKYO MX) about SUPER EIGHT member Shingo Murakami’s (43) marriage.

It has been just under a year since Nakamaru resumed activities after his self-imposed hiatus following the “Apa Hotel rendezvous” scandal with a female university student. His media appearances have gradually increased, and his new commentator role, which began in October, is part of that comeback.

Goji ni Muchū! is broadcast live, and on days when celebrities appear, fans usually line up in front of the station. Given that Nakamaru—formerly of the famed Johnny’s, and a former regular on popular shows like Shuichi (NTV) and Kajiyarou!!! (TV Asahi)—was appearing, one would expect crowds of fans. But instead zero!

Only a few staff members saw him off. Nakamaru gave a small bow to the security guard and got into the waiting car, his lonely back radiating melancholy.

“This just shows how much the public was put off by the ‘Apa Hotel rendezvous’ incident. But as the saying goes, ‘When one door closes, another opens.’ Local stations have been offering him work, and since September he’s been focusing on projects in Kyushu—Oita, Kumamoto, and so on. During street filming in Oita, he reportedly interacted politely with onlookers, earning a great reputation. He’s well-known, good at commentary, and has a pleasant personality—so it’s a win-win, isn’t it?” (Entertainment agency executive)

Will Nakamaru’s comeback story begin from the regions!?

From the November 7, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”