Timelesz Member Inemata Shuto Arrested for Assaulting Woman in Tokyo Parking Lot
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
Shuto Inemata, a 25-year-old member of Japanese idol boy group Timelesz, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on the night of September 18 for allegedly assaulting a female acquaintance in a convenience store parking lot in Koto-ku, Tokyo. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30pm, when Inemata and the 26-year-old woman were in a car together. Following an argument, Inemata allegedly struck the woman, causing visible facial injuries . The victim subsequently approached convenience store staff for help and requested they contact police . When questioned by authorities, Inemata claimed his hand had "accidentally touched" the woman and denied any intentional harm . His agency, STARTO Entertainment, stated it was "verifying the relevant facts" before issuing a formal announcement late on September 19, confirming Inemata's immediate suspension from all entertainment activities . Timelesz will proceed with scheduled activities as a seven-member group .
Key Points
- Inemata was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of inflicting bodily harm on a woman in Koto-ku, Tokyo
- The victim, a 26-year-old female acquaintance, was struck in the face during an argument inside a car parked at a convenience store lot
- Inemata claimed to police the injury was caused by his hand "accidentally touching" the woman, not intentional violence
- STARTO Entertainment issued a late-night statement on September 19 suspending all of Inemata's activities indefinitely
- The eight-member group Timelesz will continue as a seven-member unit during this period
- Inemata previously worked in the painting industry and was previously a member of boy group 8iper
- He was selected through the audition show "Timelesz Project" last year alongside four other new members
- The group recently released the album "MOMENTUM" and completed a national tour, with Blu-ray/DVD scheduled for November 18
- Timelesz originated from Johnny & Associates idol group Sexy Zone, which renamed in 2024 after the agency's abuse scandal
Why It Matters
This arrest strikes at the core of idol culture's relationship with its fanbase. Timelesz's audience is predominantly female, and an assault allegation against a member sends shockwaves through the tightly managed image of male idol groups, potentially triggering mass fan defections and damaging the group's commercial partnerships. The incident also highlights ongoing challenges at STARTO Entertainment, which rebranded from Johnny & Associates following decades of abuse allegations against its late founder, and now faces another public crisis with one of its rising stars.
This arrest strikes at the core of idol culture's relationship with its fanbase. Timelesz's audience is predominantly female, and an assault allegation against a member sends shockwaves through the tightly managed image of male idol groups, potentially triggering mass fan defections and damaging the group's commercial partnerships. The incident also highlights ongoing challenges at STARTO Entertainment, which rebranded from Johnny & Associates following decades of abuse allegations against its late founder, and now faces another public crisis with one of its rising stars.