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)