Masami Ito, the 43-year-old voice actor for the character Izumi Sena in the popular mobile game Ensemble Stars!!, was accused of having an extramarital affair with a female fan by the Japanese online exposé account "DEATHDOL NOTE" on June 11. The account published multiple screenshots of alleged private messages between Ito and the fan.
On June 12, Ito posted an apology on his personal X account, confirming he had also apologized to his wife, actress and voice actress Suzu Maihara. The news has sparked widespread discussion on Japanese social media, with many criticizing the voice actor for betraying his family and fans.
Masami Ito is primarily a stage actor and serves as the head of his theater troupe, "Shingidan Yume-Mei Classics." In the voice acting world, he is best known for his role as Izumi Sena in Ensemble Stars!!. He has been married to fellow actress and voice actress Suzu Maihara since April 2017.
The exposé account "DEATHDOL NOTE" released screenshots on X on June 11, alleging that Ito took a fan to a hotel after a live performance. The conversations reportedly included the hotel's name and room number, accompanied by photos from their outing. One photo also appeared to show birth control pills.
The allegations quickly went viral in Japan, with many netizens condemning the behavior as a betrayal of his family and fans, calling it deeply irresponsible.
On June 11, Masami Ito addressed the allegations on X, stating:
"I deeply apologize for the significant trouble and concern I have caused due to my inappropriate behavior. This incident is entirely the result of my own irresponsible actions, and I have betrayed the trust everyone has placed in me. I am truly sorry."
In addition, his wife, Suzu Maihara, who is also a member of the same theater troupe, released her own statement on X:
"I am deeply sorry that my husband's lack of awareness has caused distress to so many people. I also apologize for the trouble his thoughtless actions have caused to the parties involved. We have discussed this matter as a couple, and I have accepted his apology. He has promised to take proper responsibility as a husband, a father, and as the head of our troupe."
The theater troupe also issued a formal statement regarding the scandal: "We offer our sincerest apologies for the immense trouble and concern caused to our supportive audience and all related parties by the inappropriate actions of our troupe's leader, Masami Ito."
Regarding the currently running stage play, "Kurenai no Tsuki ni Michibikareshu wa Sennen no," the troupe announced that after discussions among the members, they have decided "to continue the performances as scheduled until the final show."
The troupe concluded by once again apologizing to the audience, cast, and crew, stating, "We will complete all remaining performances with the utmost sincerity and hope you will continue to watch over us until the end. We ask for your continued support and encouragement."
The incident continues to be a major topic of discussion within Japan's voice acting and stage play communities. Fans are now watching to see how Ito, his family, and his troupe will navigate the public fallout, as well as how the Ensemble Stars!! franchise will handle the future of his character, Izumi Sena.
As of now, the official Ensemble Stars!! team has not released a statement regarding the controversy, leaving the character's future uncertain.
via： X@伊藤マサミ