Embezzlement of Donations Due to Johnny’s Favors and Abolition of Main Personality Signals Possible End of ’24-Hour TV’

On August 31 and September 1, ’24-Hour TV 47′ will be broadcast on the NTV network, with a series of announcements regarding the participating talents and artists.

The first wave of performers for the “Song for Noto! 24-Hour TV Charity Live” was announced on ‘ZIP!’ (NTV), featuring popular artists such as Takahiko Iwata (EXILE, 3rd Generation J SOUL BROTHERS), GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, Nogizaka46, Hinatazaka46, 3rd Generation J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, and SUPER EXPRESS.

However, despite being for the reconstruction of Noto, the venue will be the “Pia Arena MM” in Kanagawa Prefecture. The ticket price is said to be 11,000 yen.

“There are voices saying that it won’t be effective unless we go to the disaster-stricken area in Noto and perform in front of the victims, but calling everyone to Hokuriku, setting up the venue, and securing hotels and transportation would incur enormous costs.

This charity live will donate the amount remaining after deducting expenses, so it would be meaningless if it results in a deficit. We won’t be able to make any donations unless a large number of people in the metropolitan area buy tickets and attend.” (NTV insider)

On the other hand, ’24-Hour TV’ has traditionally included a main personality role in addition to the general host, but this year it has been abolished. Under the banner “24-Hour TV Connected by 24 People,” various talents will take on the role of personalities.

As of July 24, the announced participants include Masaki Aiba, Sunshine Ikezaki, Takahiko Iwata (EXILE, 3rd Generation J SOUL BROTHERS), Yumiko Udo, members of ‘Shōten,’ Kazushige Nagashima, Hiromi, Ken Matsudaira, and Yasuko. The remaining participants will be announced as they are confirmed.

 

 

Since the introduction of the main personality role in 1997, which began with KinKi Kids in the inaugural year, members of prominent Johnny’s groups such as V6, TOKIO, Arashi, NEWS, Kanjani∞, Hey! Say! JUMP, Sexy Zone, and King & Prince have held the position. Last year, Naniwa Danshi was chosen for this role. So why has this notable position been eliminated?

“There are two main reasons. First, last year, amidst the societal issue of sexual misconduct involving the former Johnny’s, the choice of Naniwa Danshi as the main personality led to a social media movement like ‘#IWon’tWatch24HourTV,’ resulting in the lowest ratings in the show’s history. Additionally, since Naniwa Danshi was pushed by the agency, including Keiko Fujishima, there was an outcry questioning whether favoritism was still in play.

The second reason is that a former station director from the affiliated network embezzled donation funds. This led to peak levels of false virtue, and it seems they were troubled by how to continue the program this year. By not having a main personality, they can distribute the scrutiny that would otherwise fall on a single person.” (Sports paper reporter)

Regarding the abolition of the main personality role,

“Just cancel ’24-Hour TV’ altogether.”

“Is it really worth continuing this fundraising (hypocrisy) to such an extent?”

Some people have even voiced harsh opinions.

“Despite being called a charity program, the advertising revenue generated by ’24-Hour TV’ in just one day is enormous, so the network is determined to keep this ‘cash cow’ show going from a business perspective. However, if public criticism intensifies due to issues like the Johnny’s scandal and embezzlement of donation funds, it will naturally lead to a decline in sponsorship.

Nevertheless, this year, the only superficial reform made was to eliminate the main personality role, while leaving fundamental issues such as donation management, the abolition of the marathon in extreme heat, and the shortening of broadcast time untouched. It seems unlikely that these changes will restore viewers’ trust. Depending on this year’s content, the program might be pushed towards cancellation.”

The theme for this year is “Can Love Save the Earth?” which raises questions. NTV itself might be wavering about the program’s continuation.