Tsuyoshi Kusanagi leaves a news conference on Friday night.
REUTERS

SMAP's Kusanagi apologizes to fans at press conference; admits drinking problem

Saturday 25th April, 06:30 AM JST

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Tahoochi at 10:20 AM JST - 27th April

If I were him, I would say, I did it, it was a mistake but I'm a grown man, now let it go. Who amongst us has never lost control? It happens. To err is human.

Marvenp: You're absolutely right. However, in Japan, the person who errs, is not allowed to say this... only if the person who erred shows remorse and regret, can the people other than the person who erred say "ah, he's only human, give him a break"... otherwise, it's called "Hiraki-naori", and that person is seen as non-remorseful, and no one trusts that person again.
apecNetworks at 11:10 AM JST - 27th April

Just a suggestion:

Jimmy's Jimusho should re-examine the schedules of all members of SMAP, and ask them if the schedule is stressful. They are a huge draw, but for them to take only high priority assignments may work better in the long term - this is only if there is a comment of the degree of stress. They have been "up there" for some time, so some of them may need a breather. "Commercial" assignments overseas would work if the schedule is light.

I'm partial to the name "Kusanagi" b/c I liked the movie, "Ghost in the Shell", w/ Major Kusanagi.
Tahoochi at 02:48 PM JST - 27th April

Maybe Kusanagi was just sick of the same old song and dance.
Coolasapool at 02:48 PM JST - 27th April

‘‘I don’t feel like drinking at all now’’

I`ll guarrantee you he had a brew when he got home after that press conference.. big time!
dennis0bauer at 03:19 PM JST - 27th April

i thought he was still wearing his undies? and 5 beers and 3 shochuu is not what i consider a drinking problem. Japanese media are really vultures
Ukhti at 06:42 AM JST - 28th April

WOW! I'm just really amazed at the importance of a "squeaky clean" image, and how the lack of one (in light of a mistake such as Kusanagi's) can have such an impact on one's career! Although I don't agree with what he did, I still understand the man's human and is very prone to mistakes sometimes, as we all are!
shreeree at 12:40 PM JST - 28th April

PaulieWalnuts at 03:25 AM JST - 26th April

shreeree, I agree. nice post.

Thank you
shreeree at 12:50 PM JST - 28th April

Out of SMAP I am personally a Kimura fan. It wasn't that long ago he had to apologize for getting a girl pregnant before he married her. Which sounded like a forced marriage because she was pregnant,which seems to happen alot in Japan. Not sure what the issues are about birth control there, but anyway it passed and being married and a father didn't hurt his success. Which is a ridiculous rule that Overlord Johnny has anyway. Any fan in their right mind would realize their favorite star need love, and a family too. Otherwise how can you fantasize that he or she is all yours and they aren't allowed to date or marry anyone? Duh?

This too shall pass now the media need to pick one of the more serious topics going on in the world. Isn't there enough death and murder around to keep them busy?
Yelnats at 01:35 PM JST - 28th April

I am sure he must have taken a leak while out in the park too. Lucky he wasn't caught for that, because we all know that there is not a Japanese man out there that would ever consider to do that in public.
fatfrenchfool at 02:56 AM JST - 29th April

I think he was slipped the mickey finn in bar, like a knockout drops. I hear it happen many time around area he was drinking recently. why le flic no looking into that possible?
jonnyboy at 11:27 AM JST - 30th April

because he quite clearly didn't pass out?
nandakandamanda at 01:56 PM JST - 30th April

The press are too hard on him. I expect he had just visited that recycle chain of shops, what's it called, Hard Off?
fatfrenchfool at 02:07 PM JST - 30th April

because he quite clearly didn't pass out?

and you know this how?
cwhite at 02:53 AM JST - 1st May

he should be suing the bar for negligence. I'm sure in the US this would be the first thing anyone would do...
Vagante at 11:33 AM JST - 1st May

"Disgraced pop star ..."

The media say that he is disgraced but I don't hear that from the general public.