Japanese Actor Fired From Beer Ad After Drunken Incident

A popular Japanese actor, Ryo Yoshizawa, was dismissed from his role as the face of a low-alcohol beer campaign after a drunken incident, according to officials. Yoshizawa, who was chosen by Asahi Breweries to represent its 3.5% Super Dry Dry Crystal beer, has long been admired for his looks, with one magazine describing him as having “national treasure-class handsomeness.”

However, on December 30, the 30-year-old actor returned home possibly under the influence of a stronger drink. Yoshizawa, who was reportedly intoxicated, mistakenly entered a neighbor’s apartment, as stated by his talent agency, Amuse.

“I lost my memories. I think I just went in without asking because I needed the bathroom,” Yoshizawa explained to police, as per local media reports.

Asahi Group Holdings announced on Tuesday that it had severed ties with the actor. “As a company in the alcohol beverage industry, we find his actions unacceptable,” said spokesperson Shiori Shimizu. Asahi confirmed they would not feature him in future advertisements.

Yoshizawa issued an apology to his surprised neighbor for the trouble he caused, and Amuse confirmed the actor had already left the apartment.

In Japan, drinking trends are shifting, with younger generations increasingly opting for low-alcohol or alcohol-free beverages, reflecting a broader decline in alcohol consumption across the country.