Inappropriate Video Exposes Hiroshi Ikushima’s Sexual Harassment Practices Involving Kishu Don Juan’s Ex-Wife

Selecting a partner and sending sexually harassing images online

On January 27, freelance announcer Hiroshi Ikushima (74) announced his resignation from his TBS Radio program “Ikushima Hiroshi’s Good Morning Set Meal, Straight Ahead” and an indefinite suspension of his entertainment activities. TBS announced:

“After confirming a serious violation of compliance that goes against the TBS Group’s human rights policy, it was determined that continuing his participation in the program was impossible, and we have decided to remove him from the program.”

On the same day, Ikushima published an apology and announcement of his indefinite suspension of activities through the website of his company, “Ikushima Planning,” where he also stepped down as chairman.

“Around the morning of that day, Ikushima had just finished the live broadcast and excitedly told listeners that the program would soon reach its 7,000th episode. To be notified of his ‘dismissal’ right after the broadcast was, according to those close to him, a complete shock. It later emerged that the cause of his sudden departure was a double harassment issue—sexual harassment and power harassment. Regarding the sexual harassment, it was revealed that he had been sending inappropriate sexy videos and images to female staff members of the program.” (Radio program director)

A female publishing industry colleague of Ikushima, who had been sent sexual harassment videos in the past, spoke about her experience and the events leading up to this situation:

“Ikushima loves using LINE, and often sends me 4-5 messages a day with amusing stickers. Many of them are sharing news articles from domestic and international media or updates about the talent he represents. I didn’t remember being sent ‘inappropriate videos,’ but a friend reminded me, ‘Didn’t you get a video of Kishu Don Juan’s ex-wife?’ and then I recalled that it might have happened. He frequently sent them to my personal LINE rather than a group chat. I got the impression that Ikushima selected who to send certain messages to. Apparently, he had sent inappropriate images and videos several times to a female radio staff member.”

Regarding the current controversy, it seems that the source of the videos was an older male talent affiliated with Ikushima’s agency, “Ikushima Planning.” Ikushima had tried to promote this talent by pairing him up and even participating in “M-1 Grand Prix” together, where they made it past the first round. It seems that this male talent sent Ikushima erotic jokes that were shared with the female colleague. There was no ill intent, and these were just part of the topics or gags, although, in today’s world, such ideas are completely out of step with current norms.

 

“I have no intention of retiring.”

After the broadcast of “Good Morning Ichikosen,” Kiyo Morimoto (85), who serves as the MC of “Morimoto Kiyoshi Standby!” that follows, expressed his criticism, and TBS announcer Shinichiro Azumi (51) and others also made harsh comments about the program.

“Azumi’s wife was previously with ‘Ikushima Planning,’ and after their marriage, Azumi even visited Ikushima to report about it. However, despite that, Ikushima’s reputation for frequently scolding staff during live broadcast commercial breaks, sticking to a Showa-era style, was well known within the station” (TBS insider).

It is already known that TV and radio stations have compliance departments. Among them, TBS is known for having separate compliance contact points for both in-house and external staff, and even freelance staff can quickly get the contact details of a lawyer’s office if they inquire.

“In fact, several staff members have left Ikushima’s program. It is true that some staff did not have a favorable view of Ikushima. The accumulation of such facts likely led to his sudden departure. However, there are also voices in the industry defending Ikushima. He is caring, approachable, and takes on any job. His upbeat nature and good rapport made him a sought-after MC for events and parties.

His abilities as a company president were high. However, he also had a lighthearted nature and lacked compliance awareness, and would carelessly exchange LINE contacts with anyone. He himself is deeply reflecting on this, but for now, it seems that he does not intend to retire. We may hear an explanation from him directly at some point” (entertainment insider).

The current entertainment industry has clearly changed, and it is uncertain whether a simple explanation could lead to a return, as was possible in the past.