Bakusho Mondai’s Hikari Ota Sparks Debate with Comments on Matsumoto Hitoshi Problem

How far will the sexual scandal of “Downtown” Hitoshi Matsumoto spread?

 

Not only “Shukan Bunshun” but also other magazines have been reporting on Matsumoto’s misbehavior one after another, and as expected, there are few fellow comedians who are outrightly defending Matsumoto as not a bad guy. However, there are still some friends who want to give him a helping hand.

During the February 4th broadcast of TBS’s “Sunday Japon,” hosted by Bakusho Mondai’s Hikari Ota, comparisons were drawn between Matsumoto’s scandal and the female issue involving Japan’s soccer representative player, Junya Ito.

“Matsumoto is suing Weekly Bunshun, alleging defamation including damage to his reputation.”.

After discussing this,

“Ito is suing the woman, not Weekly Shukan Shincho. The nuance is different because he is directly fighting.”

But in a broadcast a week ago, Ota speculated about the feelings of the women who sued Bunshun and emphasized the difference.

“Matsumoto may not be aware, but ‘I was hurt by that’ is something the women couldn’t say until now. However, if society acknowledges ‘that was hurtful,’ they can also say, ‘Yes, it hurt me too.’

For these women, perhaps that’s the most important thing. I don’t think they’re trying to completely destroy Matsumoto or inflict irreparable damage on him. It’s more about being able to acknowledge that it was hurtful as their own issue. It’s about being able to say, ‘Yes, it hurt me,’ in this society.”

He then went on to explain his own theory. In response to this, the Internet commented.

“This person has consistently shown concern for women, for Matsumoto, and for other comedians from the beginning.'”

“Regardless of past conflicts, they are making calm and insightful remarks from both sides. Matsumoto should acknowledge and apologize for the actions that did occur because they are indeed factual, and eventually, we hope for his return.”

“Nobody else has been able to provide suggestions from this perspective.”

Voices praising Ota were numerous, but among them,

“Even considering it’s from a male perspective, I feel it’s a bit off. It shows a lack of understanding of the feelings of women who have experienced sexual harassment. It’s not just a matter of being hurt and getting over it. Even if we consider it as a wound, it’s a significant one. Are there really people who nostalgically reminisce, saying, ‘That’s a wound, right?’ Are you really so eager to defend Matsumoto to that extent?”

Some women were appalled.

If the previous reports are true, it’s unlikely that the women consented. To avoid further harm, women may have reluctantly accepted sexual acts.

“I’m sorry for hurting you. Forgive me.”

Would it be convincing to say that they had no choice but to reluctantly accept sexual acts in order to avoid further harm?

A female reporter from a national newspaper’s social affairs department says the following.

“The victims suffered for a long time and gathered the courage to speak out. They endured such suffering, yet the perpetrator became popular, adored by everyone, and continued to appear on television. They’ve even built a happy family. I believe there’s a strong feeling of not being able to forgive a man who deceives society by wearing a mask while being an abuser.

Furthermore, there’s a strong sense of wanting to expose the true nature of the perpetrator to prevent further victims and to speak up for those who cannot. If Ota had a daughter or if his wife experienced the same ordeal, would he still hold onto such sentiments?”

A plausible opinion.

And in last week’s issue of Bunshun (February 8th edition), the 10th victim came forward to accuse Matsumoto.

Ten years ago, a woman who worked as a therapist was sexually assaulted by Matsumoto in a private room at the store where she worked. The woman has now taken her husband and filed a damage report with the police. Since the statute of limitations has already passed, the report was never accepted, but it seems likely that more women will come forward to accuse Matsumoto.

A long trial is about to begin. It is hard to predict what the verdict will be, but even if Matsumoto wins, it will be difficult for him to return to TV.

“It seems like we’re only arguing whether there was ‘consent from the women or not.’ In that case, the reported actions of Matsumoto would indeed have occurred. Even if Matsumoto wins, what remains is not whether it was right or wrong, but simply that he engaged in such behavior, leaving a disgusting impression.

Koji Imada said, ‘Matsumoto is uncool,’ but ‘uncool’ is still acceptable for comedians. Disgusting is the worst. If people feel repulsed, no one would want to watch. Naturally, sponsors will withdraw.” (Key station producer)

I can understand the desire to defend or help Matsumoto as a colleague or as a senior to juniors. However, it’s inevitable that one would be suspected of being birds of a feather if they do so.