timelesz member Inomata Shuto arrested for suspected assault

Inomata Shuto, a 25-year-old member of the J-pop idol group timelesz, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of assault. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on September 18, 2026, inside a vehicle parked at a convenience store in Koto Ward, Tokyo.

According to reports, Inomata was involved in an argument with an acquaintance, a woman in her 20s. The victim reportedly suffered facial injuries, including a bleeding nose, and sought help from employees inside the convenience store. Inomata has denied the allegations of intentional assault, claiming that his hand ‘accidentally struck’ the woman during the argument.

Following the arrest, his agency, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, issued an apology to the victim and announced that Inomata’s activities would be suspended indefinitely. The agency stated it would determine formal disciplinary actions once the authorities conclude their investigation.

The incident has led to immediate changes in media coverage. The group’s variety program, ‘timelesz Familia,’ aired an edited version of its September 20 broadcast to exclude Inomata’s appearances. Other television networks and commercial partners are currently reviewing their responses to the situation.