Japan pop star apologizes for alleged indecency

04/24/2009 9:00 AM, AP


A Japanese pop star apologized to his fans Friday after being arrested for allegedly being naked and drunk in a Tokyo park.

"I drank a lot, and did not know what I was doing. As an adult, I did something shameful," Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, a 34-year-old member of the hugely popular group SMAP, told a news conference hours after he was released Friday.

Kusanagi was arrested in the wee hours of the morning Thursday after neighbors complained to police that a drunken man was making a fuss in the park in a posh Tokyo neighborhood.

His arrest has been the top news item in Japan, prompting even Cabinet ministers to comment on Kusanagi.

"I deeply apologize to fans and fellow SMAP members for causing so much trouble and worry," said the pop star, who looked dejected.

Kusanagi has not been charged. Public indecency carries a penalty of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($3,060).

Public broadcaster NHK said prosecutors decided to release Kusanagi because there is no concern that he would flee or destroy evidence.

At the time of his arrest, Kusanagi was allegedly sitting on the grass, stark-naked and heavily intoxicated, police said. Media reports said he drank more than 10 glasses of Japanese rice wine and beer before going to the park and had no idea why he undressed himself.

Kusanagi surged to stardom following his debut in 1991 as part of the five-member group SMAP, which dominated Japan's pop music scene, and starred in TV dramas and films. Kusanagi, fluent in Korean, is also popular in South Korea.

Following the arrest, Toyota Motor Corp. and other top companies canceled commercials featuring the star, while TV programs in which he was to appear were suspended, company officials said.