Ex Japanese Idol Now Works At A Male Host Club

Fans of former Japanese boyband KAT-TUN might remember Junnosuke Taguchi.

One of the J-pop group’s six original members, he left KAT-TUN and their agency, Johnny & Associates — the once-mighty but disgraced idol empire — in 2016 to pursue a solo career. KAT-TUN officially disbanded in March this year after 25 years in the industry.

Now 39, Junnosuke was recently featured on entrepreneur and content creator Madison Zhao’s Instagram (@madisonceoshow), where she explores Japan’s male host club scene.

He now works as a host at bar A-Men’s Tokyo in Shinjuku, where he entertains and serves female clients.

While chatting with Madison, Junnosuke shared his idol past and past works like 2012 hit drama Legal High.

Hosting, he admitted, was never part of his plan.

“I used to be really famous. I even performed at Tokyo Dome,” he said.

When asked if he regrets where life has taken him, he replied: [I’ve] been too busy to regret anything.”

“I’m happy, I enjoy this stage,” he added.

Still, he admitted he’s happier as an idol.

“I love music, singing, dancing and seeing fans’ smiles. As long as I’m not dead, I want to stay on stage,” he said, adding that he still keeps in touch with former bandmates Kamenashi Kazuya and Jin Akanishi.

But when the conversation turned to late Johnny Kitagawa, Johnny & Associates’ president accused of decades of sexual abuse, Junnosuke offered only a faint, seemingly bitter smile.

Since leaving KAT-TUN, Junnosuke has dabbled in several ventures, from launching his own agency to opening a café themed around ikemen (handsome men).

His career took a hit in 2019 when he was arrested on marijuana charges.

He reportedly turned to the nightlife industry and became a host in 2024 due financial struggles from his businesses.