2024 Manga Adaptations (January - June)
Sakaguchi Kenji (Pride, Locomotive Teacher), a Japanese actor who has appeared in more than 30 films and dramas, officially announced through his agency on March 31 that he will be going on an indefinite hiatus or even a possible retirement as he is suffering from Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis or bone infarction. It is incurable and he might need to undergo a hip replacement surgery.
Sakaguchi revealed that he has been suffering from this illness for 3 years already and that it has become almost impossible for him to act because he has to continue with treatments. Apparently the pain is currently manageable but he has decided not to undergo a surgery at this moment due to possible side effects so he will continue the rehabilitation.
Sakaguchi debuted as a model in 1999 and then appeared in his first drama "Best Friend" that same year.
Sakaguchi is not the only Japanese actor who announced the postponement of acting activities due to being sick.
Imai Tsubasa (Yaneura no Koibito, Tackey & Tsubasa) also announced in March that he will be going on a hiatus as well because he is suffering from Meniere's disease.
He has been struggling with it for years but now it has become difficult to continue both acting and singing activities. He also had to quit stage plays and radio shows.
He debuted in 2002 in the duo Tackey & Tsubasa. He is is known as one of the "Four Dancing Kings" in the Johnny & Associate agency.
