His music and acting careers are both on a roll! Takahisa Masuda of “NEWS” goes “shopping at a high brand store in Ginza

Co-starring with that famous actor in the latest drama

Ginza (Chuo Ward) in Tokyo is bustling with inbound customers. One spring afternoon, a man with a black paper bag in his hand emerged from a luxury fashion brand store in one corner. He was dressed simply in black with black-rimmed glasses. Takahisa Masuda, 39, of “NEWS,” seemed to have no intention of putting on a disguise.

Masuda-san was looking at bracelets and other accessories with a serious expression on his face. Was he looking for a gift? I couldn’t tell what she bought, but after she finished shopping, she got into a car waiting outside and drove away.

Masuda made his major label debut in 2003 with “NEWS” along with Yuya Tegoshi (38) and Keiichiro Koyama (41). He has been a member of the group for more than 20 years, despite the successive departures of members.

In addition to his activities as a member of “NEWS,” he makes regular appearances on “Guru Ninety Nine” (Nippon Television Network) and “Netapare” (Fuji Television Network). He is also active as a solo artist, including three radio program personalities. His second solo album, “Takahisa Masuda’s Cover,” consisting entirely of cover songs, was released this past April. Starting with a performance in Hokkaido on the 10th of the same month, he will hold live concerts at five venues in Fukuoka, Tokyo, Hyogo, and Osaka.

Masuda, who is in great form, also appears in the drama “Mujinaru Witness” (TV Asahi), which will be broadcast in April.

Innocent Witness” is a drama remake of a hit Korean movie from 1919. Masuda plays a young prosecutor who is trying to get to the bottom of a murder case. The lead role is played by Toshiaki Karasawa (62). Masuda and Karasawa have been close friends in private since they co-starred in “Voice II 110 Emergency Command Center” (NTV) in 2009. When they decided to co-star in “Innocent Witness,” Karasawa contacted Masuda saying, “This is the perfect role for you! ‘ (Drama production staff).

Masuda overcame hardships and blossomed as an idol, TV personality, and actor. Perhaps shopping at high-brand stores was his reward.