Komuro is apprently the John DeLorean of Japan. He once dominated Japan’s pop scene but has seen an epic reversal of fortune. He began his career in 1984 as a member of the rock band TM Network and went on to produce scores of songs that sold in the millions. J-Pop became a huge Asian phenomenon.

But Komuro apparently has faced debts he couldn’t repay. He tried to sell copyrights of his songs in 2006 to an unnamed investor. He was arrested Nov. 4 on charges of defrauding the investor, knowing he was not authorized to sell the copyrights.

He offered to sell them for $8.4 million and is accused of defrauding the investor out of $4.2 million.

Komuro’s record label, Avex Group Holdings, said it paid part of the $319,000 bail.

“I’m sorry to have caused the trouble,” Komuro told a crowd of reporters Nov. 21 after being released from a detention center in Osaka. “If I may, I want to keep up my work in music.”

According to media reports, Komuro spent the money from the investor – who has not been identified – to pay off debts from failed businesses and alimony.

Avex said in a statement that Komuro’s indictment is “extremely regrettable” but expressed hope he will make a fresh start.
The scandal marks a reversal of fortune for the 49-year-old producer. Komuro sold a reported 170 million compact discs in the ’90s but hasn’t had a hit in years.