News On Japan

Mixed Martial Artist Comments on Protege's Future Contracts

Mikuru Asakura Speaks on the Rise of Mizuki and Her Impact on His Future Plans

TOKYO, Jan 23 (News On Japan) - Professional mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura updated his YouTube channel on the 21st, addressing the criticism aimed at his protege Mizuki.

Asakura announced that Mizuki, who had become a topic of conversation, married a 33-year-old non-celebrity and was expecting a child. Due to the significant backlash Mizuki received, Asakura hastily posted a video titled "Regarding Mizuki-chan's Controversy."

Asakura, who had discussed the announcement of the marriage and pregnancy with Mizuki about ten times, explained, "I told her that the comments could get pretty harsh, but she still wanted to go through with the marriage with strong determination. So, I decided to respect her choice and support her decision."

As Mizuki is contractually obligated to continue appearing in videos, Asakura said, "She wanted to be honest from the start, rather than having viewers notice her pregnancy later on."

Mikuru Asakura: Regarding comments suggesting that her contract should be terminated, Asakura responded, "It isn't up to me whether to cancel the contract. I'm leaving it to Mizuki-chan, so if she wants to continue, I'll support her, and if she wants to stop, she's free to do so." However, he agreed with comments saying, "It would be a big problem if it weren't for this agency," and expressed his concerns about Mizuki's partner, saying, "I'm wondering what the other person thinks. They haven't even come to greet me."

Asakura continued, admitting he was very worried due to the short period of their relationship, but after hearing Mizuki's story several times, he believes that "she couldn't find anyone better than this person, and that he's a wonderful person." Asakura regards Mizuki as a colleague and a sister-like figure, saying, "As long as she's happy, that's all that matters." He also addressed third-party perspectives, "There are various opinions like irresponsibility, but within our circle, the only thing that matches those comments is what we think about the other person. Getting married and having a baby is a joyous occasion, and I hope everyone can celebrate with us."

Furthermore, Asakura clarified on behalf of Mizuki, who appeared on ABEMA's original love reality show "Don't Be Fooled by Flowers and Wolves" (2023), that she didn't have a boyfriend at the time of the show, so there was no overlap. Lastly, Asakura announced, "MAPROMOTIONS, the talent agency I run, is looking to put more effort starting from 2024. We are recruiting women with a strong desire to not marry and to become famous," and called for applicants with the goal of producing major actresses.

Born on April 18, 2000, Mizuki's special skill is doodling, and her hobbies include motorcycles and darts. After moving from her hometown in Hyogo Prefecture to Tokyo, she began her modeling career.

She caught Asakura's attention with her beauty and style, as well as her dreams, during his YouTube channel's luxury car taxi project. Her Instagram account gained 100,000 followers within five days of its launch, and she became a model and ladies' designer for the apparel brand MATIN AVENIR. In 2023, her appearance on ABEMA's "Don't Be Fooled by Flowers and Wolves" led to a surge in female fans, expanding her range of activities.

Source: MDPR

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Entertainment NEWS

A new team promotional video has been released for BADBOYS -THE MOVIE-, hitting theaters on May 30th. The spotlight is on the "Gokurakucho Edition," a fiery and dazzling story of a small, unknown biker gang aiming to rise to the top of the delinquent world.

Scouted by Symboli Rudolf for a move to the prestigious Central League, Oguri faces a decisive race with Kitahara’s condition that a win in the Gold Junior secures her transfer, while a loss sends her toward the Tokai Derby.

Japanese idol group Arashi has announced that it will officially end its group activities following a concert tour planned for around next spring.

In the film Detchiage, a powerful courtroom drama unfolds around a man accused of unspeakable abuse, raising questions about truth, media manipulation, and public justice.

Let's finally have a closer look at the Kikugorō shūmei and the rest of the Dankiku festival! (Kabuki In-Depth)

After refusing to play against him, Haryu finally challenges Taiki to a match on the last day of training camp. (Netflix Anime)

A woman in Nagoya has dedicated her life to the traditional street performance profession of chindonya, reviving the colorful art form through an all-female troupe that entertains and inspires audiences with music.

Ultra Japan 2024 was a premier electronic dance music (EDM) festival scheduled for September 14–15, 2024, at Tokyo's Odaiba Ultra Park. (UMF TV)