National Tour of Charismatic Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi Faces Serious Situation with Available Seats
What’s happening with Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi?Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, who will turn 68 this month, is a well-known Japanese singer-songwriter and actor. He boasts a “charismatic” popularity and is known for having a significant number of devoted fans.
Although his television appearances have decreased recently, his live shows have historically been sold out, with venues always packed.
However, this year’s tour seems to be different. Tickets for the upcoming concerts in Aichi on September 5th and 6th are still available, with some seats remaining unsold. While the SS seats are sold out, there are still vacant seats in both S and A categories (as of September 2nd).
Fans who are members of his fan club can purchase tickets first, a system similar to that used by other artists. However, many artists use a lottery system to determine who can buy tickets. Nagabuchi’s system is no different.
The fact that tickets available to the general public are often hard to come by makes it clear that the “preferential treatment” for fan club members is a benefit.
Normally, fans appreciate this system, but this time around, there are reports of fans saying:
“I lost the lottery but managed to buy tickets through a ticket agency.”
Indeed, tickets for Nagabuchi’s concerts in Aichi and Tokyo are still available, and discounted tickets can also be seen.
What could be the reason for this situation? Music magazine writers speculate that “that controversy” might still be having an impact.
“In November of last year, Shiho Wakabayashi suddenly revealed in a live stream on X (formerly Twitter) that she had been sexually assaulted by a prominent musician, Mr. X, in 1998. It was later disclosed that Mr. X was actually Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi.
There was much anticipation about how Nagabuchi would respond, but he has yet to make any substantial rebuttal. Instead, there have been statements from him that seem to be hostile toward the media.”
This news sparked mixed reactions online, and furthermore, Nagabuchi has made recent comments on YouTube.
“Rejected by TV and radio.”
“Receiving defamation and abuse online.”
It is said that by repeatedly making statements as if they were the victim, the number of voices defending them has decreased.
“Fans may be silent, but it seems those who were deeply devoted and considered him a true ‘man’ are moving away.” (music magazine writer mentioned earlier)
This is believed to be affecting ticket sales as well.
Nagabuchi has many fans in the industry. A television station staff member says:
“There are fewer ‘Showa-era’ artists who evoke such passion these days. While Nagabuchi’s live show staff are fans, there are also quite a few young staff members at television networks who admire him.
However, watching Nagabuchi recently, I haven’t felt a sense of ‘purity’ and have been disappointed, thinking, ‘Is this who he really is?’ If it’s true, he should acknowledge it and offer a proper apology; if not, he should clearly refute it. Right now, it just seems like a ‘grumbling’ to me.”
I want to see his fiery live performances, but I find it hard to endure hearing complaints during the MC segments.
However, a record company employee suggests that there might be another reason for Nagabuchi’s unclear stance.
“It might not be about whether it’s true or not; he might genuinely not remember the incident. If that’s the case, he can’t apologize or deny it.”
Isn’t it the essence of charisma to show a clear stance?
PHOTO： Keisuke Nishi
