Japanese singer, Masahiko Kondo now has been suspended by his agency after admitting to an ‘extra-marital affair’.
Johnny & Associates, one of Japan’s most powerful talent agencies, said that as a married man Mr Kondo’s “behaviour was thoughtless” and “lacked awareness and a sense of responsibility”.
“After careful consideration we decided that strict punishment was needed,” it said in a statement.
The 56-year-old has since been restricted from all the work engagements.
It is common for public figures in Japan to face censure and strict penalties after an affair is exposed, but some people have raised questioned regarding the professional repercussions of this.
Mr Kondo’s relationship was first reported by a gossip magazine last week.
Mr Kondo, who was a J-Pop idol in the 1980s, had apologised and offered to step back to reflect on his behaviour and “to become a better person”, the agency added.
According to a report by the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine that hit newsstands last week, Kondo had been in a relationship with a 31-year-old woman who runs a company making tailored suits.
Kondo is marking the 40th anniversary this year of his debut as a singer with the single “Sneaker Blues” in 1980. He was among the most popular male idols in Japan in the 1980s.
The indefinite suspension of entertainment activities is the “right” punishment for “the oldest” talent belonging to Johnny & Associates, the agency said, adding Kondo will reflect on his position as the agency’s most senior talent during the period of suspension.
