Okada Kenshi who settled with his agency, wished to "reset his acting career" during the trial
"I was just a young boy, but a miracle happened to me because of Sweet Power, without a doubt. I'll never forget how they found me and gave me a place to learn"
This was written by actor Okada Kenshi (22). Okada has been in a court battle with his agency, but announced a settlement on September 1, 2011. He posted on Instagram that he was going to leave the agency at the end of March 2023.
Okada made his debut in the drama "Chugakusei Nikki" (TBS) in October 2018, when he was chosen for the main cast. Since then, he has appeared in a string of high-profile productions, and is currently playing the role of Odaka Heikuro in the ongoing historical drama "Seiten wo Tsuke" (NHK General).
In the midst of such rapid progress, Okada filed this lawsuit. It all started with his dissatisfaction with the president of his office.
"The employee turnover has been intense, with more than 10 people leaving last year alone. Last year alone, more than ten employees left the company, including Okada's manager. Okada also said that he was not satisfied with the way he was chosen to appear in films. There were times when he had to take a job at short notice, and he would say, 'I can't play a role in this. I don't want to do it" (TV station insider)
Then, something happened that deepened the suspicions of the president. In March and May, "Shukan Bunshun" reported on the sexual harassment of the company's talent and the moral harassment of its employees.
"The president wanted to explain to Okada right after the March news report. However, he stubbornly refused, saying, 'I don't want to see you. Within a month, he moved out of the office dormitory. Later, he met with the president of the company, but they could not come to an agreement. So Okada-san filed a motion with the court for a 'provisional injunction' to terminate the contract," says an entertainment insider.
■ He has a hard and serious personality. He even declared his "insulation" to the president.
However, their arguments were in direct conflict. As the trial became more and more bogged down, Okada took an action that could be called a "declaration of insulation" to the president.
"During the trial, Okada strongly expressed his desire to use his real name instead of his stage name, Okada Kenshi, after the termination of his contract. In fact, the family name Okada is shared by the president. The president personally named him "Okada Kenshi". The president had such high hopes for him, but Okada wanted to "reset his acting career" by changing his name in addition to leaving the company. Okada also requested that the agency not be involved in the matter of his name in the future.
In June, in response to an interview with this magazine, the agency admitted, "It is true that Okada has expressed his intention to work under his real name rather than his stage name"
"Okada is hard-headed and serious. Therefore, when something is wrong or unacceptable, he points it out and shows it with his attitude. Some people may see him as being "too stuck on his own ideas and inflexible" But I think he's a straightforward person with a strong core." (Okada's acquaintance)
With the settlement, Okada's case has been settled for the time being. This trial may have been a "learning experience" for him.
[+1,696, -237] But even in a photo like this, his face really catches the eye.
The president of the company must be a good operator, but if he can only create relationships with his power, eventually there will be no one left around
[+1,329, -150] I think he is still young and has a lot of acting ability.
So I really hope that the industry won't go in the direction of not using him because he's "too hard to handle".
[+822, -125] If you're doing a trial or something, it's going to take a long time.
If it's only a year and a half, it's still bearable. You could study acting.
You can do it
[+616, -64] I was moved to tears at the end of Heikuro's life. He is a good actor, so please don't hang him out to dry. I agree with the name change because his real name is much cooler. It's scary to have a family name decided for you , as of they think it's their own property.
[+505, -45] Takasugi Mahiro, who was one of the main actors in the office, has also gone independent.
I don't think Okada-kun wanted to take the case to court, but I'm glad that he was able to settle the case.
I think it's a good thing that they were able to reach a settlement.
[+342, -39] If he wanted to work as an actor, or if he wanted to keep a successful career, it would be better for him to stay in Spice Power.
However, the fact that he chose not to go down the path that was prepared for him suggests that there was more to it than what we assumed. He wasn't the most skillful person in the world, but I think his character is straightforward because of that.
He can get a lot of good jobs, but it's not a good management agency when Horikita Maki retired after getting married, Kiritani Mirei was out of business, and there were many other talents who quit.
I hope that Kenshi-kun will not be tamed for the rest of his life.
[+255, -25] Well, in a way, it's been announced to other offices that he will be leaving after a while, so I'm sure that offices that are interested in him will reach out.
However, there will be people who will try to take advantage of him, so I hope he will listen to the advice of various people and be careful not to make a quick decision.
[+229, -26] Kenshi-kun was one of the most exciting actors to appear in a long time. The president of the company gave him his own last name, and I'm sure Okada was trying to live up to his expectations, feeling the weight of that. It's a pity when you're an actor who doesn't know the difference between right and wrong. It took a lot of courage to make a move against the office. I'm worried about his physical and mental health if he has to stay until March 2023 with an agency that he has lost trust in. I hope that he will spend his time in good health while consulting with the senior actors and staff who worked hard to build him up. I hope that they will always be on his side. His acting has been polished and is surprisingly good ～ keep up the good work