As the end of the year draws near, many in Japan enjoy a tradition of bonenkai , year-end parties held in bars and restaurants. These gatherings are an opportunity to relax and have fun with friends and colleagues, often accompanied by alcohol. However, it’s important to remember that excessive drinking can lead to impaired judgment, blurred consciousness, and erratic behavior.
On January 6, Japanese media reported a bizarre incident involving famous actor Ryo Yoshizawa (30 years old). After a night of heavy drinking, Yoshizawa mistakenly entered his female neighbor’s apartment.
The Incident: A Drunken Mistake
The event occurred around 10:30 AM on December 30, 2024, in Minato, Tokyo. Yoshizawa, who had been drinking with friends the night before, accidentally wandered into the wrong apartment. The neighbor noticed him and immediately called the police. 
When questioned by the authorities, Yoshizawa explained, “I started drinking the night before and blacked out. I must have mistaken her apartment for mine because I needed to use the bathroom.” The police are investigating the incident under the charge of trespassing.
Public Reaction: Shock and Confusion
As soon as the story broke, Japanese netizens shared their reactions, many of them expressing confusion and amusement:
“He was just drunk. He probably wandered into the wrong apartment by accident.”
“Even though it was Ryo Yoshizawa, I’d still be scared if someone suddenly entered my home.”
“Ryo Yoshizawa may be at fault, but why wasn’t her door locked?”
“The scene must have looked like this…”
(Note: Yoshizawa portrayed Sogo Okita in the live-action Gintama movie.)
“It happened at 10 AM, so at least it wasn’t in the middle of the night.”
Some took the opportunity to joke about the situation. A surprising number of people seemed to be more understanding, especially if the person in question was a celebrity like Yoshizawa:
“If Ryo Yoshizawa came into my house by mistake, I’d happily welcome him in. Neighbors, please lock your doors!”
(Twitter user: @Enn_kiss)
“I wouldn’t mind if he came to use my bathroom!”
(Twitter user: @nyanu3u1210)
“He’s so cute, I can forgive him.”
(Twitter user: @morimegu1985)
“If Ryo Yoshizawa came over, I’d just treat him like a guest, haha.”
(Twitter user: @A125_SN517)
However, others pointed out a more serious concern: the Asahi Beer brand’s public relations department.
Asahi Beer’s Response
Ryo Yoshizawa is the official spokesperson for Asahi Beer, and in October 2023, he filmed a new advertisement for the brand. After the incident, Asahi Beer released a statement saying they were still verifying the details of the case.
Yoshizawa’s Drinking Habit
According to sources close to the entertainment industry, Yoshizawa is known to enjoy drinking. In a December 2021 variety show, he admitted that drinking helps him deal with stress. He confessed to drinking regularly, even during the filming of the NHK historical drama Seichou Seiten , stating, “I don’t have a day without drinking. If I don’t drink, I can’t sleep.”
In 2018, actress Hinako Sakurai, who worked with Yoshizawa on the film Orange Marmalade Boy , described him as having a “strong tolerance for alcohol.”
In a 2020 interview for the premiere of his film AWAKE, Yoshizawa humorously shared that to gain weight for his role, he would eat instant noodles and drink two bottles of beer before bed. “The next morning, I felt terrible,” he said with a laugh.
The Fallout: A Potential Impact on His Image
Although Yoshizawa’s love for alcohol was part of his public persona when he became a spokesperson for Asahi Beer, this recent incident could have a negative impact on both his reputation and that of the beer brand. If the police investigation concludes with any charges or penalties, the fallout might be significant. Excessive drinking can lead to not only health problems but also regrettable actions that affect one’s career and public image.
Whether or not Yoshizawa can recover from this mishap remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of overindulgence in alcohol.
