A direct hit on “A Masso” Kano after work…! The “Huwa-chan riot” is about to come to a “not-so-funny” end.

The situation took an unexpected turn.

There are no signs that the situation has calmed down.

One month has passed since the TV personality Huwa-chan (30) slandered comedian Yasuko (26). On August 8, Huwa-chan issued an apology and on August 11 announced a suspension of her entertainment activities. This seemed to be the end of the story, but the situation took an unexpected turn at the end of August.

NEWS POST SEVEN” first discovered Yasuko’s post and reported that it was the comedian “A-Masso” Kano (35) who encouraged Huwa-chan to do so. On the other hand, Kano’s office admitted that he was the first to find the post, but denied that he had instigated her.

Following the report, Kano was inundated with accusations. However, one entertainment agency official expressed the view that “Kano is not the mastermind behind this.

In her apology, Huwa-chan says that she and her friends got into a raucous mood and posted the article, but Kano’s agency is puzzled, saying, ‘There was no such a mood, but Huwa-chan started it on her own. However, if the furor becomes this big, refuting it will only add fuel to the fire. It seems that they are trying to put out the fire by explaining directly to Yasuko-san’s office instead of holding a press conference.

When we asked him directly after work in early September, he responded with a smile at first, but his demeanor changed drastically when Huwa-chan’s name came up.

–…… about the ruckus with Huwa-chan.

He said, “(interrupting) Oh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry to talk about that.”

— “Just one word, please. Could you at least give me your business card?

I’m sorry, (business card) is fine. Yes, sorry, sorry.”

After that, he went into a nearby building without answering the FRIDAY reporter’s call.

The Three-Party Disturbance

The “Huwa-chan riot” still continues to cause ripples. What kind of future awaits the three? First of all, most people in the industry believe that Huwa-chan’s return to the TV world is doomed.

In the September 7 broadcast of “Ariyoshi’s Summer Vacation 2024” (Fuji Television), all of Huwa-chan’s scenes were cut. This was a de facto “ban declaration,” and other stations will follow suit.

However, the relationship with Nippon TV has not been severed. The staff member in charge of the “Matrix Consulting Center,” who liked Huwa-chan, has influence over the casting of the show and is trying to pave the way for her return, including a purification program in the future. Although the name has been dropped from the program’s website, Nippon TV has not officially announced its decision to drop the program. If Huwa-chan is going to hang on, this is the only place to do it,” said a Nippon TV source.

Since the suspension, Huwa-chan has continued to hide behind a cloud, refusing to give any explanations. The same is true for Kano, who has remained silent. As the aforementioned official said, “The offices will talk things over,” and until then, there will be no major moves such as a press conference.

On the other hand, Yasuko is expected to do even better.

Yasuko is now the most likable of all the comedians, so there are a lot of TV people who would like to use her,” said one of the comedians. Yasuko’s relationship with Nippon TV has also been strengthened by her role as a runner in the “24-Hour TV” charity marathon. It is customary for runners to be preferentially invited to appear on Nippon TV programs for the time being. You will have even more opportunities to see them on TV.

However, it is not always a good thing.

Yasuko’s likability has gone up too much. From now on, if there is even a slight gaffe, it will come back to Yasuko in the form of disappointment. It is a negative for her as a comedian, but she has to be on the defensive. Some people say, “I can’t laugh at Yasuko anymore.” The agency is wondering whether Yasuko should continue as a comedian or turn the corner to a talent.

The dark shadow cast by the recent turmoil is not likely to be dispelled so easily.

From the September 27 and October 4, 2024 issue of FRIDAY