The media have been busy for the last day or so analyzing the aftermath of Kusanagi Tsuyoshi’s arrest. Some big numbers are being thrown around as estimates of the cost to the companies that have a financial stake in him. At the time of his arrest he had 7 commercial contracts, 8 regular TV and radio shows and a movie due for release in September. Columnist Himura Masaaki (59) said, “With SMAP being probably Japan’s top talentos, Kusanagi alone would get about ¥50 million for an ad. As a group, their guarantee would be ¥120-150 million. Even just a music tie-up would bring in ¥50 million at a bare minimum.” He estimated that the cost to Johnny’s Jimusho agency just in terms of this lost income would add up to about ¥420 million. But on top of that, with the cost of posters, TV, magazine and newspaper ads, those companies would be looking at losses of ¥500 million each. So Johnny’s could easily be faced with having to compensate sponsors to the degree of ¥5 billion. And then of course there’s disgruntled TV networks and the ongoing effect on future earnings as well. All in all, it turns out to have been a pretty expensive naked romp in the park.
Meanwhile fans and commentators have been questioning why police decided to search Kusanagi’s Tokyo apartment after the arrest. As he tested negative for drugs and the incident took place elsewhere, the search should not have been part of the investigation. Lawyer Osawa Takayuki said, “It’s very unusual in such a case. As he’s a celebrity and the impact of the arrest is very wide, they may have decided to do it just in case.” Nihon University law professor Itakura Hiroshi said, “The prosecution of this case may be unexpectedly harsh. But I think he will be released soon. Even if he’s indicted, he should face a fine of les than ¥300,000. I certainly don’t see him getting a prison sentence.”
Earlier stories:
Butt Naked SMAP Star Arrested For Indecency (Apr 23, 2009)
The Kusanagi Storm Continues (Apr 23, 2009)