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| Richard Keita Kusama Steps Away from Aぇ! Group After Turbulent Year (Photo: Sankei) |
STARTO Entertainment has confirmed that Richard Keita Kusama, 29, has officially exited Aぇ! group as of the 20th, marking a major shift for the Kansai-born pop unit. The announcement comes after a turbulent year that placed Kusama under intense public scrutiny and ultimately pushed him towards what he describes as a necessary decision for the sake of both himself and the group.
The statement follows the legal incident from January, which resulted in a fine issued on 20 November.
While the legal process has now concluded, Richard Keita Kusama has chosen to step away from group activities, saying the situation has made him “deeply reflect on his actions” and reconsider his place in the team.
On the group’s official site, Richard Keita Kusama issued a lengthy apology, admitting that he had been struggling privately for around a year.
In his own words, remaining with the group would “hold everyone back” and risk causing even more disruption.
He expressed regret for disappointing fans and colleagues, acknowledging the weight of expectations that had been placed on him since his early career days.
According to STARTO Entertainment, Kusama will remain under the company’s management but will continue taking time away from public activities.
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Insiders say there is currently no timeline for his return, and all attention is now on his recovery and personal reconstruction.
Keita Richard Kusama’s departure makes him the second member to leave Aぇ! group within two years, following Daisei Fukumoto’s exit in December 2023.
With Kusama gone, the group will continue as a four-member unit — Masakado Yoshinori, Sueyoshi Seiya, Kojima Ken, and Sano Akira — who are expected to maintain their current schedule without major changes.
Fans have responded with a mix of sadness and understanding, many noting the strong sense of responsibility Kusama has always shown.
Despite the controversy, supporters continue to express hope for his gradual return when he’s ready.
Richard Keita Kusama, originally from Kyoto and known for his distinctive mixed heritage and energetic presence, joined the agency in 2009.
Over the years he carved out a solid reputation for his dance skills and precise performance style.
In his closing message, he promised to work steadily towards rebuilding trust, saying he hopes to meet fans again someday “from a place of strength, not turmoil.”
For now, the spotlight turns back to the remaining members of Aぇ! group as they navigate yet another transition — and to Kusama, who steps out of the public eye with the intention of starting over on his own terms.
Source: Hochi