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© KYODOSinger 'Matchy' Kondo suspended from work after admitting to affair
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Toasted Heretic
Bizarre.
plasticmonkey
Matchy Kondo is a has-been and must be punished for soiling the squeaky clean image of Johnny Inc. by having an affair. His life must be ruined. Major star Kusanagi-kun of SMAP got nothing for getting drunk and running around a park naked and shrieking like a maniac. ("Stress") Makes sense.
u_s__reamer
The "Matchy" affair exposes once again the unmatched chutzpah for rank hypocrisy endemic throughout the meretricious and thoroughly corrupt Japanese entertainment branch. This is just another indication that Japanese society is in sore need of self-renewal through a cultural revolution.
Mocheake
Every time I hear the name "Johnny's," I cringe. Their founder was as shady as they come. Who appointed them moral police?
therougou
The actor deserved to be shamed for his hit-and-run. I wouldn't compare that to an affair, which is none of other people's business.
Wolfpack
Isn't this the guy who was dating Akina Nakamori and Matsuda Seiko at the same time?
Jonathan Prin
Is slavery still on in Japan ? Do they own the freedom of sex of their employees ?
I know well it is the case that's why Japan cannot be considered aq a true democracy.
Poor Matchy.
kaimycahl
WOW any other country the management company would get sacked. The singer would just find another manager and sing on.
Ricky Kaminski13
Honestly, who cares. Get a life those that thrive on watching people subjagate themselves to the scornful mass.
In fact, when you think about it, does your average Jo Tanaka care? Or is it just just some warped overbearing ideas of company image propagating this parody? the group identity trumps all reason. Surprise , surprise.
Speed
Matchy Matchy no touchy touchy other woman! So if you want a break from the grind, you cheat and Johnnie Boy Co. comes in and creates "reflection time"? Sounds appetizing.
Luddite
Who cares what two consenting adults do? It’s a private matter and none of our business.
HBJ
Johnnys is one of the most immoral companies out there, in my opinion. There have been numerous stories of them taking advantage of their 'talent', many of them children. Johnny's think they own people, and that is a much bigger issue than someone having an extra-marital affair.
Johnny's is a company that 'lacks awareness and a sense of responsibility' towards their employees, and makes them reprehensible.
kurisupisu
Who really cares?
BertieWooster
I remember when I first came to Japan and understood almost no Japanese, watching a comedian do an impression of Matchy and not knowing which was the singer and which was the comedian taking the mickey. He was a terrible singer. Marginally worse than Go Hiromi if that's possible.
shogun36
I guess "Matchy" couldn't find a good match with the opposite sex, maybe next time 今度....................no?
Terrible and horrible joke, right?
Well, not as terrible as that name.....Matchy. Who is this guy? lol
I'm sure the world will be able to sleep just fine tonight.
dmhondz
This will be another non-news that will dominate the TV talk shows the next few days. Like that young actor that hit a bicycle rider few weeks ago and that Olympic medalists swimmer and his extra marital affairs.
Japanese media can be brutal sometimes. Depending on your popularity, one slip and your career will be over.
sunfunbun
It seems obvious, tho', that Matchy is agreeing for the so called greater good of Japanese group thought, be it wrong or right, legal or not. He should stand up for his rights, but he won't.
This is where the line of loyalty to the Japanese way and cowardice gets blurred. When manipulation of group power over rides personal integrity, the loss of true individualism is palpable, and to many of us foreigners, the failure of a narrow Japanese culture.
garypen
Hopefully, it's true. These kinds of talent agencies and management companies that take advantage of talent by signing them to unfair contracts that make the agency rich off the backs of the talent, while treating the talent like chattel, have mostly disappeared in the US.
noriahojanen
I don't see it newsworthy. But it is more interesting that the Johnny's office is no longer able to suppress such scandals involving its belonging members (they used to do quite successfully even by means of intimidation.... it's an open secret!). Johnny Kitagawa, the charismatic office founder is now dead, several key members have recently quit the office. The empire in Japan's entertainment scene is showing a sign of decline.
timeon
Ahh the horror, chain him and stone him to death, this abominable criminal
rainyday
This is the same agency whose founder faced more sexual harrasmant and assault claims against children than......well probably anybody in history.
Seesaw7
Hmm. common story everywhere. in Japan wife forgives husband and stay married. mainly for economic reason.
I always wonder why many young single wonen choose to be in relationships with married men. There are so many single men around.
tooheysnew
its a joke that a deceiving, manipulating evil company like Johnny’s could judge another person on their misdeeds ?
Ah_so
This is one of the things that I hate about Japan. And I don't just mean interfering in celebrities' personal lives, but the whole set of cultural drivers that allow this sort of thing to materialize and it be acceptable to interfere in people's personal lives and restrict their ability to earn because of legal decisions they make.
Wakarimasen
Matchy is a legend. Johnny must be gutted having to suspend him for what is normal behavior among the rich and famous (and plenty others). Poor him having to reflect......
We need a kiss and tell next.
TheReds
Is this even news?
spinningplates
''Kondo will reflect on his position as the agency's most senior talent during the period of suspension.''
Retire, then release a book accompanied by a DVD and a song....Gold Mine.