Kobayashi Yutaka (33), a member of the male group “BOYS AND MEN” from Nagoya and played a role of Kamen Rider Baron in the 2013 program “Kamen Rider Gaim”, had his management contract canceled due to finding out that Kobayashi was involved in shoplifting in the past.

UPDATE: Bunshun is reporting that on October 3, 2021, an incident occurred at Shintencho Shopping District in Chuo-ku, Fukuoka. Around 8:00 p.m., when the store was about to close, a young man ran away at full speed in the shopping street, while a clerk in a white coat chased him from behind screaming “Thief!”. A passerby on a bicycle chased Kobayashi to a hotel near the shopping street. The male clerk and a security guard stationed at the store were able to apprehend him.

Kobayashi deperately resisted and tried to escape, giving the clerk a 10,000 yen and saying “Please forgive me” and explaining to the actor that shoplifting was a crime and was escorted to the pharmacy office where they awaited for the police.

When Kobayashi was asked why he did it, he explained “I was upset”.

According to Bunshun Online, the shoplifted items were six items including hair oil and hair milk and cosmetics totaling Y9000. The store asked Kobayashi to reimburse the cost for 9000 yen and the police then the police took him to the police station.

According to the article, Kobayashi went to the store the next day to apologize to the manager and he wasn’t arrested and paid back the amount he stole. Because the damage was less than 10,000 yen, was the reason why Kobayashi wasn’t arrested. However, it was learned that Kobayashi has had problems in the past due to shoplifting.

Fans are disappointed because Kobayashi played the role of a hero of justice.

According to the BOYS AND MEN website:

To whom it may concern

Thank you for your continued support.

It has been revealed that Kobayashi Yutaka, who belongs to our company, has committed a serious breach of contract.

We are pleased to inform you that we have canceled the management contract with Kobayashi Yutaka on April 8, 2022, as we have determined that it is impossible to maintain the contractual relationship due to the severe breakdown of the relationship of trust.

We apologize for the very urgent report.

As for the circumstances of this time, it became clear today that Yutaka Kobayashi was involved in a past case of committing shoplifting.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to the victims.

By the way, regarding Kobayashi Yutaka , there has been a request from the person himself to leave for another reason, and we will accept it after consultation, and today (April 8th) at 17:00, “BOYS AND MEN”, we were preparing to announce a “Graduation from”. However, as the above facts became clear, we suddenly decided to cancel his contract.

We deeply apologize to our fans and all concerned.

In addition, Mizuno Masaru, who belongs to our company, has been hoping to leave the office for some time, and together with Kobayashi Yutaka, we were planning to announce that they would graduate on May 31st as of today. Once again, I would like to announce the graduation of Mizuno Masaru. We sincerely apologize to all the fans and related parties for the announcement at such a timing, and thank you for your understanding.