NEWS’ Takahisa Masuda Spotted Shopping at Luxury Brand Store in Ginza

Co-starring with a famous actor in a new drama

Ginza (Chuo Ward, Tokyo), bustling with inbound tourists. One spring afternoon, a man emerged from a luxury fashion brand store in one corner of the district, carrying a black paper bag. Dressed simply in all black with black-rimmed glasses, it seemed that Masuda Takahisa (39) of NEWS had no intention of disguising himself.

“Masuda was seriously looking at accessories such as bracelets. He may have been looking for a gift. I couldn’t tell exactly what he bought, but after finishing his shopping, he got into a car waiting outside and drove away,” said a shopper who happened to be there.

Masuda made his major debut in 2003 with NEWS alongside Yuya Tegoshi (38) and Keiichiro Koyama (41). Despite successive member departures, he has remained with the group for over 20 years.

“In addition to his activities with NEWS, he regularly appears on programs such as ‘Guru Guru Ninety-Nine’ (Nippon TV) and Netapare (Fuji TV). He is also active as a solo artist, hosting three radio programs. In April, he released his second solo cover album, ‘Masuda Takahisa no Cover’. Starting with a concert in Hokkaido on April 10, he will tour five cities including Fukuoka, Tokyo, Hyogo, and Osaka,” said an entertainment reporter from a sports newspaper.

Masuda is also appearing in the April broadcast drama “Innocent Witness” (TV Asahi).

“’Innocent Witness’ is a drama remake of a Korean hit film released in 2019. Masuda plays a young prosecutor investigating the truth behind a murder case. The lead role is played by Toshiyuki Karasawa (62). The two are also said to be close in private. This is their first collaboration since Voice ‘II 110 Emergency Control Room’ (Nippon TV) in 2021. When the casting was decided, Karasawa reportedly contacted him saying, ‘Masu is perfect for this role!’,” said a drama production staff member.

Having overcome hardships and established himself as an idol, TV personality, and actor, Masuda’s luxury shopping may have been a reward for himself.