Maeyama Takahisa Sparks Backlash Again as Remarks About Ex Girlfriend Reveal Pattern of Controversial Comments

Maybe this option is better

Maeyama is known as the former boyfriend of Sayaka Kanda, who passed away in 2021. However, after audio of arguments and LINE exchanges between the two were leaked and drew criticism, he left his agency, effectively retiring from the entertainment industry and has yet to return.

The latest controversy arose from a YouTube video released on March 1 titled “Emergency Talk: Asking Takuhisa Maeyama About His Feelings at the Time” (now deleted). Since late December 2025, he had been working at a men’s lounge in Roppongi, and his remarks while appearing on a channel run by its representative caused the uproar.

“Although Maeyama did not mention Kanda by name in the video, he referred to her in a way that clearly identified her as ‘K-san’ and spoke about their relationship. Regarding the previously rumored two-timing allegations, he said, ‘In order to produce results going forward, I thought it might be better to break up with my current girlfriend and choose this option,’ revealing that he ended his relationship with his then-girlfriend to date Kanda in order to survive in the entertainment industry,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

In response, social media was flooded with criticism such as:

“Did he use her as a stepping stone?”

“So he just used her?”

However, what caused even greater backlash was another remark.

“More than the this option is better comment, what really fueled the backlash was when he responded to public criticism by saying, ‘It can’t be helped.’ While he may have been speaking honestly about his feelings, it was an extremely insensitive remark toward Kanda and her family,” the same reporter said.

Anger from her ex-husband, Mitsuru Murata

Amid this, a post by actor Mitsuru Murata (48), Kanda’s former husband who had remained silent until then, drew attention. On March 8, he posted on X:

“I’m simply boiling with anger.”

Although he did not explicitly state it was about Maeyama’s remarks, given the timing, it was widely interpreted as criticism of the video. The post drew many messages of sympathy and agreement, further intensifying the backlash against Maeyama.

Perhaps realizing the severity of the situation, on the night of March 10, Maeyama announced on Instagram under his host alias that he would temporarily leave the men’s lounge. Regarding the video, he apologized, saying:

“I’m very sorry.”

Additionally, the lounge representative who posted the video and appeared alongside Maeyama issued an apology on YouTube, stating:

“We carelessly touched on a topic that should not have been addressed, resulting in content that lacked consideration.”

The video in question has since been deleted.

Why does Maeyama continue to make such controversial remarks?

An entertainment industry insider commented:

“The turning point for Maeyama was around 2024, when a stage production that was supposed to mark his return to the entertainment world was canceled. Compared to television, stage performances—where fans pay to attend—are generally considered a lower hurdle for a comeback. However, co-starring actresses withdrew one after another, and even his stage return fell through. That may have left him feeling a sense of despair.”

After the cancellation, he released a solo performance video, but it also sparked backlash and was deleted. In an interview with a weekly magazine, he revealed that he had contacted Kanda’s manager, saying:

“I would like to pay my respects at her grave and would appreciate being told its location,”

which also led to criticism.

“He posts photos on Instagram of theaters where he was scheduled to perform with Kanda, hinting at her presence and name. While it generates attention, including backlash, it doesn’t lead anywhere positive. This time too, it became a major topic for the wrong reasons, and I don’t think it benefits him at all. It only leaves people with a negative impression. Even though there are those in the theater world who recognize his talent, repeating this kind of behavior will only drive away anyone willing to support him,” the insider added.

Maeyama continues to face repeated backlash. What exactly is he aiming for?

On YouTube, the “FRIDAY Digital Entertainment Reporter Channel” features active entertainment reporters discussing the issue in depth in a segment titled “Unemployed Again… Why Takuhisa Maeyama Keeps Repeating the ‘Dark Cycle’ of Controversy [Entertainment Reporter Analysis #15],” offering further analysis of the underlying issues behind his insensitive remarks toward his former partner and the challenges surrounding his return to the entertainment industry.