Ex-Plus-Minus Iwahashi Claims Yoshimoto Pressure, but Insider Discloses Real Reason for TV Absence

Former “Plus Minus” member Yoshimasa Iwahashi, who left Yoshimoto Kogyo, is still causing a stir on X (formerly Twitter).

 

Iwahashi revealed that he was shot with an air gun by Yoko Maki and that he experienced power harassment and violence from the president of a production company affiliated with Masatoshi Hamada of “Downtown.” These revelations led to considerable controversy and effectively resulted in his dismissal from Yoshimoto.

 

He is currently working as a freelance comedian, engaging in various performances and other work. Additionally, he made a return to terrestrial TV on the late-night show “Karucharu!” (TOKYO MX) on August 18. 

 

On August 18, Iwahashi confessed on X that his fee had significantly increased:

 

“During the Yoshimoto era, a chairman of a certain company became a fan of ours at a theater and invited us to his birthday party, which was essentially a job we secured. I was surprised by how low the fee was. Recently, after I left, he invited me alone and the fee was 14 times higher. Scary!”

 

He is highlighting the “fee exploitation” by Yoshimoto. While his work seems to be going well, he appears dissatisfied, expressing on X the day before:

 

“Yoshimoto, didn’t you sign a paper saying you wouldn’t apply pressure to people who leave? But after I left, I lost all my TV appearances. Isn’t this pressure? Is this another lie or just a facade?” 

He claimed that he is unable to appear on TV shows due to pressure from Yoshimoto. However, some general users responded with:

“It might simply be that Iwahashi doesn’t have the ability to appear on TV as a freelancer.”

“Perhaps Yoshimoto was the one ‘providing’ him with TV opportunities.”

There are also many cold responses like these.

What is the truth behind it?

“Yoshimoto wouldn’t openly apply pressure like ‘don’t use Iwahashi.’ Nowadays, if they did something like that, the rumors would spread quickly and cause a scandal.”

According to a source from a certain television network. 

In 2019, the Fair Trade Commission issued a warning regarding suspicions that Johnny & Associates pressured TV networks to avoid featuring former SMAP members who had left the agency. Since then, there appears to be a trend of decreasing overt pressure and exclusion from talent agencies and TV networks towards those who have left or are freelancers.

 

“Apart from Yoshimoto-produced programs and those hosted by major Yoshimoto comedians, Iwahashi’s appearances were mostly on shows associated with Yoshimoto. Naturally, such opportunities would diminish after leaving Yoshimoto.

 

Additionally, with all the revelations about seniors and related parties, no one wants to get involved. Producers and program staff might worry that any minor issues could be exposed on social media, making it less appealing to cast him. There might be some demand for shows that prioritize sensationalism, but.”

 

Daisuke Miyagawa, whose home became the site of the air gun incident, has also not mentioned Iwahashi. However, on August 18, Iwahashi posted on X: 

“Mr. Festival Man, please don’t invite me again. I have no good memories. Please go to the ends of the Earth. Wasshiyooi!!!”

He posted this provocatively.

If he’s the type to pick fights without hesitation even with his seniors, many in the industry might consider it wiser to avoid getting involved with him. Iwahashi might need to demonstrate adult decorum for a successful comeback.