Public anger over Kumi Koda's careless comment last week continues to run strong, while networks and advertisers scramble to distance themselves from the singer. It was already announced that cosmetics company KOSE removed her from its website, but several more firms have followed suit.

Kirin has halted its commercials for the chuhai brand Hyoketsu. The drink's website has been closed, as has Honda's ZEST Sports page. Gilette Japan (who was about to start a new campaign with Koda) and Morinaga Seika have also taken similar action.

On Sunday, NTV and Fuji TV aired episodes of "Koi no Karasawagi" and "Shin Domoto Kyodai" that included Koda. Fuji TV said that it received more than 100 complaints from viewers. Meanwhile, TV Asahi has decided to postpone its broadcast of a "Tetsuko no Heya" episode that was scheduled to air this Thursday.

Avex says that Koda is suspending activity at least until the end of this month, though it may last longer, depending on public opinion. It is also not clear yet whether her commercial campaigns will be revived in the future.

Despite the negative press, Koda's newly-released album "Kingdom" managed to take #1 on the charts for its initial week.