Masahiko Kondo: Japanese pop star suspended over affair
‘After careful consideration we decided that strict punishment was needed,' agency says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Japanese singer Masahiko Kondo has been suspended by his agency after admitting to an extra-marital affair.
Johnny & Associates, one of Japan’s most powerful talent agencies, felt the veteran artist’s behaviour “lacked awareness and a sense of responsibility”, and deserved “strict punishment”.
“After careful consideration we decided that strict punishment was needed,” it said in a statement.
Kondo, also know as Matchy, was one of the most popular male J-pop idols of the Eighties. This year marks the 40th anniversary of his debut as a singer with the single “Sneaker Blues”, in 1980.
His affair was first reported by a gossip magazine last week.
The 56-year-old has been banned from all work engagements. The agency said he has issued an apology and offered to step back in order to reflect on his behaviour and “become a better person”.
Other public figures in Japan have resigned over similar scandals, including a Japanese MP who, in 2016, admitted to having an affair while his wife was pregnant.
However, some have questioned the severity of Kondo’s punishment.
Amid the explosion in popularity of J and K-pop in the UK and the US, there has been criticism over the way in which talent agencies for J and K-pop artists monitor their stars’ personal lives.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments