Koji Higashino Faces Cancellations but Sees Opportunities After April

It’s pitiful for Higashino-san.

In March, two of Higashino Koji’s shows, Wide na Show (Fuji TV) and Gyoretsu no Dekiru Soudanjo (NTV), will end consecutively. Higashino, who served as the MC for both programs, is now facing these changes.

While Wide na Show is strongly associated with Matsumoto Hitoshi from Downtown (61), Higashino was actually the original MC, with Matsumoto positioned as the lead commentator. After Matsumoto began appearing bi-weekly and eventually left, Higashino continued to manage the program alongside Imada Koji (58) and Tamura Atsushi (51) from London Boots Ichi-go Ni-go. However, Matsumoto’s absence had a significant impact, and ratings began to drop. The show’s official end was announced during the closing narration of the January 12th episode, with the program set to finish in March.

On the other hand, Gyoretsu no Dekiru Soudanjo began with Higashino as the weekly MC, after the retirement of Shimada Shinsuke (68). Alongside former Rainy Day’s Hiroyuki Miyasako (54) and Football Hour’s Goto Teru (50), Higashino continued to manage the show, even appearing in skits and playing roles in reenactment dramas. Meanwhile, there have been rumors about the potential cancellation of THE MC 3 (TBS), a show that started just last October, in which he co-hosted with Nakai Masahiro (52) and Hiromi (59).

“After Nakai’s ‘9000 million yen women trouble’ was exposed, the future of the show is uncertain. The possibility of it being canceled is high. With three shows where other MCs have faced controversies, Higashino’s tireless work to keep them going has led to voices of sympathy, with some saying, ‘It’s really pitiful for Higashino-san,'” said a TV writer.

However, aside from these three shows, Higashino also serves as the MC for other popular programs, including Celebrities’ Real Thoughts! Hidden Camera GP (Fuji TV), Sekai wa Ima, Kimi wo Shinjiruyo (NTV), Osiete! News Live Seigi no Mikata (Asahi Broadcasting), and others, bringing his total MC appearances to eight, including special programs and local Kansai shows. The question remains, why is Higashino in such high demand as a host?

 

In his private life, he is referred to as an old man.

“Mr. Higashino is 178 cm tall and looks great in a suit, so he stands out in the center of the studio. Additionally, there are few concerns about scandals. Although he had a divorce in his past, he reconciled and remarried the same woman. He has two daughters, and his eldest daughter even has children.

In other words, Mr. Higashino is my grandfather. As a comedian, he doesn’t actively share private matters that would not be funny, but there’s no talk of reckless behavior or what might be called comedian play. For both the TV stations and sponsors, this stable private life is a big plus.” (From a private TV station staff member)

He’s often seen giving witty jabs to junior comedians or lesser-known idol talents during shows, and drawing them into his unique world of humor.

“Although Mr. Higashino is often teased by his co-stars for being emotionless, he is always curious about the current events of the talents in the makeup room or during greetings, and uses that information to break the ice during the actual show. Additionally, Mr. Higashino is genuinely interested in celebrity gossip. There are comedians who openly say things like ‘I don’t care about other people’s family matters’ or ‘If the wife forgives an affair, then it’s over,’ but Mr. Higashino, being naturally a bit of a fan, always brings a viewer’s perspective and adds a well-timed comment.

That’s why he was perfect as the MC of ‘Wide na Show.’ He’s also thoughtful toward his junior comedians, and has even invited comedians who were temporarily banned from performing due to the so-called dark business issues onto his show.” (Broadcast writer)

The terminations of ‘Wide Na Show,’ ‘The Consultation Line,’ and even the struggling ‘THE MC 3’ are not due to anything wrong on Mr. Higashino’s part. Recently, he’s often asked by guests on ‘Wide Na Show’ if the program is ending. With a playful expression, he responds, ‘No comment!’ which brings laughter.

“Due to his reputation in the TV industry, the trust he has earned from his co-stars, and his favorable image among viewers, it is said that there is a high possibility that his number of appearances will increase as his schedule opens up after April.” (Previous writer)

Even though he is a comedian, his private life must be steady or else he would be too risky to use. In that sense, Higashino may be the comedian who fits best in today’s era.