90 Million Yen Controversy: Kansai Talent’s Bold Remarks on Nakai!

What is Junta Nakama’s no consideration statement?

On January 11, a comment by Sano Masaya (22) from the group “Aぇ! group,” who regularly appears on the Kansai-local variety show “Asa Para S” (Yomiuri TV), became a hot topic.

That day, the show discussed the recent celebrity marriage rush during the New Year’s period, including the marriage announcement of “WEST.”‘s Akito Kiriyama (35) and former Japanese volleyball representative Maiko Kano (36) on January 3. When asked by the show’s MC about the suggestive hints surrounding Kano, Sano immediately responded with “Yes.” His response seemed to acknowledge the hints.

“WEST.” is Sano’s senior group from the Kansai region, and their unity is considered much stronger than that of the Kanto-based groups, including “SUPER EIGHT” (formerly Kanjani8). Despite this, Sano casually responded “Yes” to the controversial topic of Kano’s suggestive hints, which is seen negatively by female fans. This sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some saying, “I’m relieved Sano-kun said it,” while others commented, “He was too inconsiderate toward his seniors.” (Staff from the Osaka-based station)

On the same day, Junta Nakama (37), the oldest member supporting “WEST.” alongside Kiriyama, appeared on “Oshiete! News Live Seigi no Mikata” (ABC TV). He commented on the apology posted on January 9 by Masahiro Nakai (52) regarding the 90 million yen woman trouble.

Nakama stated, “I only know what’s written here, and I have met Nakai-san only once or twice. I don’t really know what kind of person he is,”

Nakama stated,

“It’s regrettable that he did something that hurt someone’s heart.”

and then commented.

“Nakama had been a commentator on several Kansai-local information programs even before his debut, and he was also a regular on the information program ‘Kansai Joho Netten!’ (Yomiuri TV). His character of straightforwardly commenting on anything he thought became popular with Kansai viewers. Now, he is one of the commentators on nationwide information programs like ‘Sunday Japon’ (TBS).

However, no one expected him to make such a comment distancing himself from Nakai, a senior. This comment received criticism, especially from ‘SMAP’ fans, who said things like, ‘He’s only met him once or twice’ and ‘It’s too rude to a senior.’ On the other hand, many in the industry praised Nakama for expressing his honest thoughts.” (TV writer)

As a harsh commentator

Regarding Nakama, while his character may play a role, there is a noticeable shift in the no consideration statements made by young former Johnny’s talents, particularly those currently signed with “STARTO ENTERTAINMENT” (hereafter referred to as STARTO). This change represents something that would have been unthinkable in the past.

Since its establishment, STARTO has allowed its artists to choose between management contracts and agent contracts, giving them more freedom to make decisions. They have deviated from old norms, such as declining participation in the “NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” and breaking the unspoken rule of only one married person per group by allowing multiple marriages. This new direction includes not restricting comments made by its talents on information programs.

“However, I think there is a regional aspect to consider. On national broadcasts, no consideration comments might be cut. In that sense, free expression stands out more with Kansai talents. That being said, if you make bland, harmless comments trying to act like the good guy’ you won’t be forgiven in Kansai, where many programs are hosted by comedians from Yoshimoto. Even Koji Imada (58) and Koji Higashino (57) have clearly changed their stance on national programs and make borderline comments on local Kansai shows.

Now, with members in their 40s in ‘WEST.’ and ‘Aぇ! group,’ who are still not quite nationally recognized, they are desperate to leave a mark on local Kansai information programs. To get their names and characters remembered by comedians like Imada and Higashino and be invited to Tokyo-based programs, they need to make bold statements, pushing things to the edge.” (TV writer)

The Kansai talents from STARTO, who now make direct comments on taboo topics involving agency seniors or even troubles involving national idols despite no longer being with the agency, could see the emergence of harsh commentators among them in the near future.