Top Japanese Singer Kondo Masahiko's Affair with a Woman 25 Years Younger Lasts Over 5 Years: "I Won't Divorce"

Japanese singer and actor Kondo Masahiko. Photo by Johnny's Entertainment.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Masahiko Kondo (56), a famous singer and actor in Japan, has admitted to an extramarital affair and announced a suspension of his activities.

On the 17th, local Japanese media such as Sankei Sports reported that Masahiko Kondo admitted to having an affair with a woman 25 years his junior and decided to suspend all activities, but stated that "there will be no divorce."

Earlier, Weekly Bunshun reported that Masahiko Kondo had been involved in an extramarital affair with a 31-year-old woman 25 years younger than him for over five years. The media reported that the two traveled together on a 3-night, 4-day trip to Okinawa at the end of last October, and in June, they enjoyed a Tokyo cruise together, releasing photos of the event.

Weekly Bunshun also cited insiders close to the two, explaining that Kondo fell in love at first sight and courted the woman.

In response, Masahiko Kondo admitted to the affair and announced an indefinite suspension of his activities.

Kondo's agency, Johnny's, issued an official statement on their website that day, saying, "We deeply apologize for this report occurring during an unstable situation due to COVID-19. After confirming with him, he admitted to the relationship with the woman," and added, "As a person with a family and a member of society, we take this very seriously as a very careless and irresponsible act without awareness and responsibility."

Johnny's stated, "We believe strict disciplinary action against Kondo is necessary and were discussing how to proceed," and explained that Kondo himself proposed, "I want to take responsibility for this series of incidents and refrain from entertainment activities."

They then announced, "We have decided to impose an indefinite suspension of entertainment activities on Masahiko Kondo."

Meanwhile, Masahiko Kondo debuted in 1979 with the drama '3rd Year Class B Kinpachi Sensei' and this year marks his 40th anniversary as a singer. Starting with the Best Newcomer Award at the 23rd Japan Record Awards in 1981, he swept various awards including the Golden Idol Award at the 24th Japan Record Awards, the Gold Award at the 25th, 29th, and 30th Japan Record Awards, and the Grand Prix at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

He is currently the oldest entertainer at Johnny's office in Japan and married a non-celebrity woman in 1994, with whom he has a son.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.