Nippon Television’s Distrust Towards Yoshimoto Kogyo and Unprecedented Statement of Feelings

Concerns about a decline in brand image.

Why has Yoshimoto been so slow to respond? A senior executive from a major entertainment agency analyzes that it is related to the ongoing legal issues surrounding Hitoshi Matsumoto.

“Hitoshi Matsumoto trial is at a critical stage, so Yoshimoto has become sensitive to sexual misconduct issues, which has led to their half-hearted response to television networks. If another comedian causes a scandal involving sexual misconduct following Matsumoto, it would seriously damage the brand image. ‘Downtown,’ the ambassador for the Osaka Expo, still features Matsumoto alongside Masakatsu Hamada. They are anxious about the possibility of further image decline and its impact on other major projects.”

The victim has reportedly stated during questioning that she will never forgive him, and the investigation will continue. If charges are brought and he is found guilty, the statutory penalty for non-consensual sexual intercourse is a minimum of five years in prison. What will happen to the suspect, Saito?

“Even if he is not prosecuted, returning to the entertainment industry will be extremely difficult. Including last year’s two infidelity scandals, this is the third controversy in less than a year. Moreover, this time it’s a police matter, so the damage to his career as a comedian is immeasurable.”

Yoshimoto, his backing, has terminated his contract. The only path left for the suspect seems to be atonement to the victims and their families.

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