Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Fury Over ‘Miyane-ya’ Threatens ‘Downtown DX’ Cancellation

The July 18 issue of “Weekly Bunshun”, released on July 11, reported that Masahiro Tashiro, the lawyer representing Matsumoto Hitoshi of “Downtown,” who is involved in a legal dispute, was allegedly following the accuser, Ms. A, and trying to prevent her from testifying. Lawyer Tashiro has denied these claims, saying they are false. 

The July 11 episode of “Miyane-ya” produced by Yomiuri TV reported on these issues, but Lawyer Tashiro also criticized the program.

“Improper biased reporting and reporting of false information occurred.”

It was to protest.

The first point that Lawyer Tashiro raised as an issue was the comment made by Dr. Fumie Ohtawa, a commentator.

“It’s clear to me that they are trying everything possible to make A-san give up on attending court, using various tactics like having the former editor-in-chief or X-san show up.”

The comment I made was about the second point. 

Kohei Nishiyama, the announcer who appeared as a substitute for Seiji Miyane, talked with X, who was a former editor-in-chief of a women’s weekly magazine at a major publishing company.

“Ah, I see. There’s a recording, isn’t there? Especially now.”

When he said that, announcer Miho Sawaguchi responded.

“That’s just according to the article.”

Regarding her statement, since the recording is not mentioned at all in the article by Bunshun, there are concerns that it might mislead viewers, so a correction is being requested.

 

 

Matsumoto reposted this protest letter from Lawyer Tashiro on X. It seems he intends to protest against “Miyane-ya.”

Matsumoto has a regular spot on the long-running variety show “Downtown DX” on Yomiuri TV. Although he is currently on hiatus from entertainment activities and not appearing on the show, his “fight” with “Miyane-ya” may affect his return to the program in the future.

“The staff of ‘DX’ are devoted to Matsumoto. As proof, even now in the ‘DX’ studio, Hamada’s position is on the right, leaving the spot where Matsumoto used to be on the left vacant.” (Yomiuri TV insider)

It’s a message that seems to clearly say, “We are waiting for Matsumoto to come back.” Because of this, some of the DX staff are saying.

“What’s he doing?”

“If Matsumoto were to say, ‘Make Yomiuri TV itself off-limits.’”

It is said that many people are worried about this. 

“Therefore, many program staff members are displeased with the reporting on ‘Miyane-ya.’ However, if Matsumoto’s side were to file a complaint with the BPO (Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization), Yomiuri TV would also have to consider its own reputation, and there might even be discussions about potentially canceling ‘DX.’

The ratings are also declining. Anyway, the atmosphere within the company is tense due to Matsumoto’s situation.” (Yomiuri TV insider).

Since Matsumoto’s absence, the ratings for “Downtown DX” have been gradually declining. The personal viewership rating, which was around 4% at its peak, has recently dropped to about 3%.

 

Will Yomiuri TV apologize to Matsumoto’s side? Or will they still proceed with cutting ties with him? We should keep an eye on future developments.