Japanese AV actress Honjo Ai has officially retired from the industrymonths after she was involved in a high-profile relationship with the popular livestreamer Junichi Kato-a married man at the time of their relationship.
The news has arrived September 2024when tabloids revealed that the two had been secretly dating ever since end of 2022. They were seen watching a Shohei Ohtani match together, sparking an immediate reaction. Honjo later released an apology videotearfully explaining that she didn’t know Kato was still married, claiming that he told her he was “almost divorced.” He admitted to having had a physical relationship but stressed, “I don’t see it as a relationship, I was deceived” before announcing an indefinite hiatus.
Now, almost three months later, adult industry insider Ichiken Kanshunshu confirmed on his blog PLAY N.1 that Honjo has “truly disappeared” from the scene. His agency released a “pension compilation”-a final edited collection of his 19 past AV jobsmarking the end of his career. “She never returned to filming after the scandal,” he wrote. “This is his farewell.”
The agency reportedly acknowledged that the consequences were too severe to overcome. “Having an affair with a married man is bad enough” a representative noted. “Unlike other scandals, this one destroyed his public image.” Ichiken also speculated that Honjo wealthy family it might have discouraged her from making a comeback.
Netizens and fans expressed mixed emotions. Some mourned the silent exit, saying: “It was really lovely. It’s a shame it had to go like this.” Others placed the blame directly Junichi Katowith one fan complaining: “Streamer boy, I hate you for this.”
Kato, for his part, he has since divorcedconfirming the rumors. But while his career continues, Honjo Ai’s ends in silence, without a formal farewell. “At least say hello” Ichiken pleaded in her post, reflecting the feelings of fans who feel she deserved a better send-off.
Honjo Ai’s story is a stark reminder of how public perception, especially in Japan’s adult entertainment and industry, can change rapidly in the wake of a scandal, and how women often bear the brunt of the costs.
