Japan actor fired from beer ad after drunken escapade

Pallade Veneta - Japan actor fired from beer ad after drunken escapade

Japan actor fired from beer ad after drunken escapade / Photo: Kazuhiro NOGI - AFP

A popular Japanese actor hired to be the wholesome face of a low-alcohol beer has been fired after getting drunk and breaking into his neighbour's home, officials said.

Change text size:

Drinks giant Asahi Breweries booked Ryo Yoshizawa, who one fashion magazine said has "national treasure-class handsomeness", for a commercial for its 3.5-percent Super Dry Dry Crystal beer.

But the 30-year-old, one of Japan's most popular actors, returned home on December 30 perhaps having consumed something stronger.

Yoshizawa was "drunk" and "accidently made his way into an apartment room next to his," his talent agency Amuse said in a statement Monday.

"I've lost my memories. I think I just went in without asking, because I wanted to use the bathroom," Yoshizawa was quoted by local media as telling police.

"We have decided to terminate our contract" with Yoshizawa, Asahi Group Holdings spokesperson Shiori Shimizu told AFP Tuesday.

"As an alcohol beverage company, we consider his actions unacceptable", Shimizu said.

"We will no longer use him in our future advertisements," she added.

Yoshizawa apologised to his surprised neighbour for the "major trouble he caused", Amuse said, adding that the actor already vacated the apartment.

Like other countries, drinking has been declining in Japan, with low-percentage and alcohol-free beers -- and even abstaining -- growing in popularity, especially among younger people.

H.Ercolani--PV

Worcestershire road closures announced for Remembrance Sunday events

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect road closures across Worcestershire this weekend as towns and villages come together to mark Remembrance Sunday. A number of parades and services will take place this Sunday (November 8), giving residents the opportunity to remember members of the Armed Forces who have served and lost their lives in wars and other conflicts.

Kuwait marks key events and anniversaries from national history

KUWAIT: Following are events that took place in Kuwait on November 4: 1984 — Poet Abdullah Al-Sanan, whose poems reflected social, economic and political changes, died at the age of 67. 1990 — Syrian forces arrived in the Saudi port of Yanbu to join the international coalition troops stationed in Saudi Arabia to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation.

Qatar media bodies discuss support for humanitarian initiatives

Qatar Media Corporation, in collaboration with the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), organized a seminar titled 'Developmental Media and Philanthropic Work: A Partnership for Sustainable Impact' to mark World Development Information Day. The event featured the participation of a distinguished group of media professionals, experts, and representatives from various charitable and humanitarian organizations and associations in Qatar.

Vessel operator seeks witnesses after Vancouver grounding

VANCOUVER — The operator of a vessel that ran aground on a sandbar off Vancouver last month says “malicious” tampering was the cause and he’s urging witnesses to come forward. Kevin Skewes, the owner of Spirit Cruises, says someone hit the Pride of Vancouver’s kill switch on the night of Oct.