Is comedian Irie Shinya now working in janitorial services?

Last July, Karateka comedian Irie Shinya (42) saw his contract with Yoshimoto Kogyo ended.

Numerous entertainers were banned or released by Yoshimoto Kogyo, Co. (the largest comedy agency in Japan) by appearing at parties hosted by an antisocial organization, the appearances were reportedly arranged through Irie without going through the agency.

While most of the other comedians were brought back aboard and those released were offered a chance to come back to the company, Irie who is the center of it, was not.

On August 28th, Irie was seen at 7:45 p.m. cleaning near the Hachiko Statue outside of Shibuya Station, picking up cardboard boxes and discarded umbrellas.

Irie was wearing a t-shirt, baseball cap and was apparently cleaning and picking up garbage.  Why is that? Is he now working for a cleaning company?

Actually, Irie volunteered for “Team Shibuya 888”, a volunteer cleanup crew which cleans at 8:00 p.m. in the month of August. Irie has participated in cleanup on August 8th, 18th and the 28th in Shibuya.

The other volunteers were not aware it was Irie working alongside with them, as he wore a mask and glasses at first.

Irie said, “I am very happy to participate with a pure feeling”.

When asked if he wants to get back to the entertainment world, Irie told the media, “I don’t feel like going back to the entertainment world”.

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