Seiji Miyane’s On-Air Outburst – Miyaneya Faces Cancellation Rumors
It’s Miyane who is letting his guard down.
On the January 7 broadcast of “Jōhō Live Miyaneya” (Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV), Seiji Miyane (61) was seen approaching and scolding commentator Dave Spector (70), causing a stir on social media.
This happened right after the weather segment. Suddenly, Miyane said, “The show isn’t over yet! Stay focused!” as he walked from the MC desk toward Dave. He then reprimanded him, saying, “You always lose focus as soon as your segment is over. It’s not over yet!” Returning to his seat, Miyane continued, “You really give off an air of indifference.” Dave, known for struggling when put on the spot, looked bewildered and struggled to respond.
Viewers took to social media with reactions such as, “This isn’t funny at all,” “Miyane is the one who’s unfocused—he made plenty of mistakes today,” and “His scolding was just unpleasant.”
“Miyane has consistently ranked at the top of ‘Most Disliked MC’ lists in women’s magazines. He often gets criticized for interrupting reporters during live broadcasts and not listening to others. In live TV, there is always a slight delay of up to 4–5 seconds between the studio and remote locations. Other MCs handle this well, but Miyane gets impatient and visibly frustrated, which viewers dislike,” said a TV writer.
This behavior isn’t new, but lately, Miyane seems not just irritated but also anxious. A major factor is that, for the first time in October last year, the rival show “Gogo Smile!” (CBC/TBS) surpassed “Miyaneya” in household ratings.
In the past, he gave up on a full expansion into Tokyo, saying, “It’s difficult in Tokyo.”
It was revealed at the beginning of the year that “Gogo Smile!” won the annual ratings in the Kanto region for 2024 (according to Video Research). Compared to the consistently aggressive atmosphere of “Miyaneya,” “Gogo Smile!” has a more relaxed vibe, with MC Ryōji Ishii (47) and the commentators giving off a warm, mellow atmosphere. The shift in viewership to the latter can be seen as a sign of changing times. (TV writer)
In November last year, “Miyaneya” aired viewer-provided footage of a fire at the residence of Liberal Democratic Party Senator Kuniko Inoguchi (72). The footage showed a shadowy figure, possibly a woman, amidst the raging flames, and after the broadcast, the BPO (Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization) received 250 critical viewer complaints. This footage was provided by Nippon TV, but the decision to air it was made by “Miyaneya.”
“Many of the staff are younger than Miyane. The veteran station staff member who brought Miyane to Yomiuri TV after he left Asahi Broadcasting in 2004 has already retired. There’s no doubt that he’s hugely popular in the Kansai region, but his style just doesn’t work in Tokyo. Initially, Miyane seemed determined to make a full Tokyo debut after appearing on ‘Mr. Sunday’ (Fuji TV). However, showbiz insiders familiar with Tokyo’s TV scene advised him, saying, ‘It might be difficult in Tokyo.’
Recently, on Fridays, when Miyane takes unscheduled breaks from ‘Miyaneya’ without any explanation, Kohei Nishiyama (40), the director and reporter, has been filling in as the MC. His hosting has been well-received by both staff and viewers. Within the station, there are even whispers that ‘Nishiyama should take over the show full-time, as it might improve ratings.’ Miyane, it seems, is struggling with the continuous headwinds and growing frustration.” (Osaka-based director)
Miyane is actually shy.
Miyane is known to be shy and has been said to have inconsistent communication with staff and commentators. Those who don’t get along with him really struggle, making his rapport with the staff somewhat awkward.
“On the other hand, sometimes ‘Miyane’s cases’ suddenly bring in new commentators, creating a tense atmosphere on the show. With the end of ‘Dareka to Nakai,’ there are plans to expand ‘Mr. Sunday’ to air from 9 PM, which would directly compete with ‘Yuko Udo’s Times’ (TV Asahi). Given Miyane’s current influence and unpopularity, I don’t think he can beat Announcer Yumiko Udo (55).” (Veteran information program staff)
Miyane was once said to have aimed for hosting the NHK New Year’s Eve Song Festival and “Hōdō Station” (TV Asahi), but in April, “Yomiuri Chūkyō FS Holdings” will be established and integrated as fully owned subsidiaries under Nippon TV Holdings. As a result, Yomiuri TV’s nationwide Saturday morning program “Wake Up” will end in March.
“There are rumors that eventually, Nippon TV might also get involved with ‘Miyaneya.'” (Previous staff)
It seems unlikely that Seiji Miyane’s frustration will subside anytime soon.
PHOTO: Yuya Kawasaki