Hiroyuki Miyasako’s Long Clip on Ametalk Highlights Return to Terrestrial Broadcasting

On ‘Ametalk!’ (TV Asahi), Hiroyuki Miyasako (54) has been shown repeatedly, creating a big topic of conversation.

In June 2019, due to the dark business dealings issue, Miyasako suspended his entertainment activities. On August 17, 2021, a special edition of ‘Ametalk! Special Edition: Report on the Dissolution of the Amagami Death Squad’ was streamed on Yoshimoto Kogyo’s official YouTube channel and ABEMA, announcing the dissolution of the duo. After that, the program title was also changed from ‘Talk Show of the Amagami Death Squad: Ametalk!’ to ‘Ametalk!’.

On August 8, the same program aired past works, and Miyasako was shown in a longer clip than ever before. This has led to speculation on social media such as, “Miyasako is appearing normally,” “Does this mean he has been allowed back by Yoshimoto?” “Is this a sign of his return to Ametalk!

“Until now, past footage of Miyasako has been shown on terrestrial TV only for a few seconds at a time, but it’s unprecedented for it to be shown at such length. While there are voices on social media hoping for Miyasako’s return, there are also reports that his relationship with his former partner, Toru Hotohara, is still strained. It’s unlikely that Yoshimoto Kogyo is supportive of Miyasako’s return,” says a TV magazine writer.

So, what does Yoshimoto Kogyo currently think about Miyasako’s return? When we spoke to someone affiliated with Yoshimoto, they said:

“Honestly, whether he returns now or not doesn’t matter much. It’s up to him. It seems that President Akihiko Okamoto, who is said to feel strongly betrayed by Miyasako, is not interested.

There have been claims that Yoshimoto pressured TV stations not to use him, but it’s actually the TV stations that chose not to use his footage. Yoshimoto has never requested ‘Don’t air it!'”

So, what does TV Asahi think about this? Regarding the use of past footage, a director of a commercial TV variety show provided this perspective.

 

“The reason for airing his footage for a longer time is likely to include the meaning of a test balloon. It seems they are gauging public reaction to see if he can return to ‘Ametalk!’ For example, Toshifumi Fujiwara of ‘FUJIWARA’ had a traffic accident but made a complete return without a public apology. Miyasako will likely face initial backlash, but the topic will generate significant buzz. His skills are unquestionable, so he would definitely draw high ratings.”

So, realistically, is a return to terrestrial TV possible?

“I still think it’s difficult. The airing of Miyasako’s footage on ‘Ametalk!’ apparently led to several complaints from viewers to TV Asahi. Sponsors have also expressed the view that it is ‘too early’ for a return,” says the previously mentioned source.

Furthermore, there is a decisive factor preventing Miyasako’s return. That is:

“When Miyasako was at his peak, he had a poor attitude towards young staff. Those young staff members are now central to producing variety shows. They have said they do not want to work with him, so considering this, a return to ‘Ametalk!’ as well as other variety shows seems impossible,” says a commercial TV variety show director.

The result of the test balloon seems unlikely that the rain will clear anytime soon.

FRIDAY Digital welcomes your information and tip-offs. Please send your information to the following information form or to the official X.

Information form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips

Official X: https://twitter.com/FRIDAY_twit