Sandaime J Soul Brothers isn’t a boy band that’s considered K-Pop because they are based in Japan. However, their sound is popular across the world. But this week, news arrived that one of the boy band members was accused of threatening to kill a cab driver.
Who Threatened A Cab Driver?
Part of the collective supergroup EXILE TRIBE, the current members include Naoto Kataoka, Naoki Kobayashi, Ryuji Imaichi, Hiroomi Tosaka, Elly, Takanori Iwata, and Kenjiro Yamashita. Well, the one accused of very aggressive behavior turned out to be Imaichi Ryuji.
An alleged incident in a cab – representative only – YouTube
According to Koreaboo in an article on Thursday this week, Imaichi took a ride in a cab and he allegedly assaulted and threatened “to kill a taxi driver in Tokyo.” Although the incident happened way back in early April, the news that he’s under investigation only just surfaced.
The J-Pop Star Had Been Drinking?
The Metropolitan Police Department at the “Yoyogi Police Station” investigated the case because allegedly, Ryuji Imaichi didn’t just threaten the driver, but also “punched the acrylic board separating the taxi’s front seats and back seats, [and] pulled the driver’s arm.” Apparently, there were no injuries, and the driver didn’t require any treatment.
Still, Japan is notorious for desiring good behavior within its society. Further reports suggest that the musician might have been drinking. Perhaps that’s why he allegedly said, “I’ll kill you.” In his defense, he claimed that he reacted angrily because before he got into the cab, he and someone else had “an argument.”
Previous Allegations Of Aggression
The 39-year-old, who became part of Sandaime J Soul Brothers after winning a vocal contest, seems to be a bit short-tempered. The outlet reminded J-Pop fans that five years ago, he let rip and allegedly threw “alcohol at a woman he had picked up at a karaoke bar in Ishigaki, Japan.”
While fans might feel shocked and upset by the news about the cab driver, there could be many reasons why he seems aggressive. For a start, there’s a lot of pressure being a member of a popular band. Plus, he wasn’t born into fame. He started out his working life as a welder after he left school as a teenager. Notably, construction can be dangerous and a high-pressure environment as well.
Still Popular
A recent video that revealed the group on a live tour showed that Sandaime J Soul Brothers is as popular as ever. One commenter wrote on YouTube, “It’s amazing that a group celebrating its 15th anniversary can still be so friendly and fun…”
Well, as you can see, they are not always fun and friendly. At least in the case of Imaichi Ryuji. The case is not over, so remember to check back with us for all your J-Pop news and updates.
