Inomata Shuto, a member of the idol group timelesz, was arrested on suspicion of injuring a woman in her 20s, it emerged on September 19, and staff on his TV programs are scrambling to respond.
TBS reported that Inomata is suspected of punching the woman in the face inside a car in the parking lot of a convenience store in Koto Ward, and was arrested on a charge of injury after midnight on September 19. The woman asked the store for help, saying she had been beaten by her boyfriend, according to an entertainment reporter quoted in the coverage.
Inomata has reportedly told police that his hand struck her during an argument. Police are expected to weigh the severity of her injuries and her wish to see him punished before deciding how to proceed, a reporter at the scene said.
He is believed to be in custody at the Wangan police station. If the woman withdraws her complaint, he could be released after a warning, the reporter said.
A group rebuilt around new members
timelesz was formed in September 2011 as Sexy Zone and began activities under its current name in 2024. Members have left and joined repeatedly, and the group now has 8 members.
Inomata was chosen from among general applicants in February 2025, along with Hashimoto Masaki and Shinozuka Daiki.
The group has two shows bearing its name: Timeless Man on Fuji TV since April 2025, and timelesz Familia on Nippon TV since October of the same year.
Program staff caught off guard
A person connected to Timeless Man said staff learned of the arrest from the news and are rushing to re-edit footage and rework upcoming segments.
The staff member described Inomata as the youngest member, a younger-brother figure to the others. He could be a little scatterbrained and leave those around him puzzled, the person said, but never gave the impression of acting tough, and seemed quiet instead.
“I never had any image of him being violent or getting into fights. I don't know yet what happened, but I'm worried about what will become of the program.”a person connected to Timeless Man