[4][5] In 2003 Komukai starred in her first movie, the horror film Chain (チェーン) directed by Atsushi Shimizu and released to theaters on July 19, 2003.

In early 2012 with AV sales generally declining due to internet competition, other adult studios were also looking to sign big names from other areas of entertainment, a so-called "Minako Komukai effect.

(株式会社リップ) announced that they were cancelling her exclusive contract because her poor health, mental instability, and absences for the past few years had made it impossible for them to continue their support.

She was convicted in Tokyo District Court in February 2009 of drug law violations for using methamphetamines and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years.

[14][20] Komukai published a tell-all autobiography in November 2009 titled I'm Really Sorry (いっぱい、ごめんネ。, Ippai, gomen ne)[21] in which she talks about dropping out of high school, early sexual activity, and her drug problems.

[10][22] Komukai starred in the 2010 Toei film Flower and Snake 3 (花と蛇３, Hana to hebi 3) directed by Yusuke Narita.

[25] When Tokyo police broke up a group of Japanese and Iranian drug dealers in October 2010, they found Komukai's name listed as a customer and in February 2011, they issued a warrant for her arrest.

[26][27] Komukai was arrested for a second time on drug charges for alleged possession of methamphetamines at Tokyo's Narita International Airport when she returned from Manila on February 25, 2011.