Yukina Kinoshita’s Transformation Alarms TV Pros as She Abandons Terrestrial Television

Former talent Yukina Kinoshita (36) has sparked controversy among television professionals with her recent remarks. In late August, while appearing on Kanoko Star’s YouTube channel, Kinoshita was asked about the person she dislikes the most among those she has met. She revealed her answer, albeit with beeps censoring the name, showcasing her candidness.

Reminiscent of GaaSyy.

During her 14 years in the entertainment industry, Kinoshita confessed that there are quite a few people she dislikes. She reportedly whispered two names to Kanoko, and it is inferred from their interaction that they belong to a comedy duo with whom she has a history of collaboration. The reason she dislikes them is that she feels there are no longer any merits to maintaining a relationship with them, leading her to think, “This person is a liability,” which results in them distancing themselves.

Following the controversy surrounding her threatening DMs to a tapioca shop, it seems she is dissatisfied with the fact that the person in question has distanced themselves. This prompted an immediate reaction from netizens, with some comments including:

“I’m going to crush you with all my might—of course, I want to distance myself from someone who threatens like that.”

“What does this person mean by betrayal? It seems like she has a tendency to show hostility towards people she initially doesn’t like, but ironically, isn’t she also creating enemies for herself?”

“Her manner of exposing her grievances against the entertainment industry, while maintaining her stance as a victim, is reminiscent of GaaSyy, also known as Yoshikazu Higashitani, a former member of the House of Councillors who thrived as an exposé YouTuber,” said a senior executive in the entertainment industry.

Is there a desire to return to the entertainment industry?

In the past year, Kinoshita’s distance from the entertainment industry has been decreasing.

In November of last year, she appeared on the terrestrial variety show Zenryoku! Daraku Time for the first time in four years. Her role as a cabaret girl in the April broadcast of Ai no Haiena (ABEMA) became a topic of discussion. “Kinoshita’s current position is that of a former talent influencer,” said a producer from a major network.

“Although the threatening DM incident involving the tapioca shop developed into a legal battle, with the Tokyo District Court issuing a payment order on the grounds of threatening behavior, Kinoshita retired from the entertainment industry. However, even after leaving the public eye, she has actively updated her YouTube channel and social media. Each time, it makes the news, leading us to categorize her as a former talent influencer. She held a unique position, somewhat akin to that of a celebrity, but this recent ‘GaaSyy-like’ transformation was a misstep.

Sponsors, fearing backlash, are concerned about reactions on social media. They have hesitated to use Kinoshita, who is often criticized for not being clear about whether she wants to return to the entertainment industry or live as an ordinary person. In such a situation, becoming ‘GaaSyy-like’ brings only risks. It would be unwise to turn entertainment agencies, enraged by the ‘Yukina bombshell,’ into enemies. I see this as a deadlock.”

The person in question also responded to an interview with Friday last month, stating:

“I think returning to terrestrial television will be quite difficult. I’m feeling like it might be enough for me now. If I can be the kind of character who can say what I want to say like I used to, then I’d like to do it. But the times have changed, right? So I wonder if I’m not meeting the current needs (laughs).”

As the most terrifying influencer, Kinoshita may be envisioning a future where she becomes a star surpassing GaaSyy.