Controversy over Fuji TV’s ‘SMAP in Black Paint’ Episode Exposes Disbandment Issue
The ‘SMAP in Black Paint’ performance is causing controversy.
The controversy surrounds the “SMAP in Black Paint” portrayal in the popular series “Furuhata Ninzaburo,” starring the late actor Masakazu Tamura, which aired on Fuji TV. The drama, which started in 1994, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a special broadcast.
As part of the 30th-anniversary celebration, in the episode aired on June 18, behind Tamura’s solo narration in the opening, photos of past actors who played criminals were displayed. Among them, only SMAP members were portrayed with black paint, causing a stir.
SMAP members appeared as criminals in the “Furuhata” series in the episode aired on January 3, 1999, which is highly regarded as a fan-favorite episode known as the “legendary episode.” Additionally, member Takuya Kimura appeared solo as a criminal in an episode aired on January 31, 1996.
According to TV insiders, “If you watch the footage, you’ll see that Kimura’s photo among past criminals is not altered with black paint. Using black paint only on SMAP members indicates it’s unacceptable within the group.”
The use of SMAP’s footage is generally considered challenging, not only within the “Furuhata Ninzaburo” series but across other platforms as well.
The group, which boasted nationwide popularity, disbanded at the end of December 2016. Kimura remained with the former Johnny’s office, while leader Masahiro Nakai went independent in spring 2020. The trio of Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori moved to “CULEN,” represented by Iijima Michi, the creator of SMAP.
Three years ago, from June 3rd to June 9th, 2021, a selection of ‘Furuhata Ninzaburo’ masterpieces (5 episodes in total) was broadcasted. The selected episodes featured appearances by Ichiro and Nanako Matsushima, among others, and once again, SMAP was not included. Behind the scenes, Fuji TV reportedly engaged in persistent negotiations with Johnny’s office at the time.
“They never received approval in the end. Not just episodes with SMAP, but also those with Kimura alone were rejected. It was deemed a sensitive issue from the start, and negotiations were doomed from the beginning.”(TV station insider)
Understood!
Why is the use of SMAP’s footage considered such a taboo?
Sports and entertainment reporters
“Voices still strongly criticize Kimura, who remained at the former Johnny’s office, as the main culprit of SMAP’s disbandment. If Fuji TV were to broadcast the SMAP episode of Furuhata Ninzaburo, it’s easy to imagine some fans directing criticism towards Kimura again.
Moreover, since he played a criminal role, there’s a possibility that this could escalate further. Not airing it seems to be a consideration for avoiding such reactions and hedging against risks.”
Speculate.
Regardless of the intentions of fans or TV stations, looking at recent activities, it’s clear that SMAP is already in the past, and each member has moved forward. Jun Fukuda, the president of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, hinted at the possibility of SMAP reuniting when he took office, but.
“In the industry, there’s a sense of reluctance. It feels more like ‘they don’t understand anything.'” (sports newspaper reporter)
The widespread attention caused by the rerun of ‘Furuhata Ninzaburo’ is unique because of SMAP. In a way, it might prove that they were indeed a one-of-a-kind national idol group.
