On Saturday, TV Asahi confirmed that Japanese-Filipino actress Maya Imamori will no longer appear in the Super Sentai series No.1 Sentai Gozyuger due to an alleged underage drinking incident. In the show, the 19-year-old gravure model and actress played the role of Sumino Ichikawa/Gozyu Unicorn, the first female Black Ranger.
Statement From TV Asahi
“We have been informed by Toei, the production company, that Maya Imamori has been found drinking alcohol while under the age of 20, and that they would like to have her step down from future productions. In light of the seriousness of the situation, we have agreed to her request to step down,” read the statement from TV Asahi.
It added, “We will work diligently with Toei to prevent a recurrence and will continue to implement strict compliance measures. We’ll also take appropriate action regarding future broadcasts. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to our viewers and all concerned parties.”
As well as losing her role in the series, Imamori was also dropped by her agency, Seju. “We have confirmed that our talent, Maya Imamori, was drinking alcohol while under the age of 20,” read the company’s statement. “We have determined that this behavior constitutes a serious breach of contract, and after careful discussions, we have terminated our management contract with Maya Imamori as of today.”
Maya Imamori Apologizes
Imamori was first scouted as a TikToker before transitioning into the mainstream entertainment industry. She made her gravure debut in Shueisha’s Weekly Playboy magazine in 2023, and later that year, was selected as the Grand Prix winner of Kodansha’s “Miss Magazine” contest. Then came her first major acting opportunity in No.1 Sentai Gozyuger. Unfortunately, she was unable to see the contract through.
“I sincerely apologize for the trouble and concern my reckless actions have caused many people,” posted Imamori on Instagram. “Consuming alcohol while underage is a deeply shameful act as a member of society and as a human being, and it is inexcusable regardless of the reason. I keenly feel the gravity of my actions and deeply regret them.”
She went on to say, “Through this incident, I have taken a hard look at my own immaturity and deeply regret betraying the trust placed in me. I will earnestly reexamine my way of life to ensure this never happens again. I am truly sorry for this incident.”
Online Reaction
On social media, many people posted in defense of Imamori, believing she has been harshly treated. “I personally am not too concerned about the show itself,” wrote one X user. “I’m just concerned about how Maya Imamori must be feeling right now. No one deserves to go through the kind of things she has, especially at such a young age.”
Related Posts
- Super Sentai, The Legendary Superhero Series To End After Over 50 Years
- Tomonobu Itagaki, Director of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden Dies, Aged 58
- Film About Japan’s Notorious Unit 731 Premieres in China
Updated On November 10, 2025
