Hiroshi Ikushima’s Abrupt Dismissal: Executives’ Sudden Order, “Don’t Touch Your Smartphone”
Freelance announcer Hiroshi Ikushima (74) has stepped down from two regular programs on TBS Radio. The reason given is a compliance violation.
Looking at former talent Masahiro Nakai (52)’s troubles involving women and the related Fuji TV scandal, it’s easy to grasp how serious compliance violations are in today’s society. The overwhelming reaction to Ikushima’s punishment has been,
“Well, it can’t be helped.”
However, staff from rival stations unanimously describe Ikushima’s resignation as:
“A massive incident.”
Let’s first review the timeline.
On January 27, after the broadcast of TBS Radio’s “Hiroshi Ikushima no Ohayou Teishoku” and “Hiroshi Ikushima no Ohayou Itchokusen,” the sudden announcement of Ikushima’s departure was made. The reason cited was power harassment and sexual harassment toward program production staff. The station officially stated:
“Due to a serious compliance violation that goes against the TBS Group Human Rights Policy.”
Ikushima’s company, “Ikushima Kikaku-shitsu,” announced his resignation from all executive positions and an indefinite suspension of entertainment activities. On its official website, Ikushima himself explained:
“I sent an inappropriate photo, which I had received from a friend, to radio staff, and a female staff member pointed out that she found it extremely unpleasant. Additionally, during a 90-minute live morning broadcast, I unintentionally became harsh toward the staff.”
A veteran employee from another network commented:
“‘Ohayou Teishoku’ was only five episodes away from its landmark 7,000th broadcast. For them to remove him before reaching that milestone suggests the situation was extremely urgent.”
The same employee, citing information heard from those involved, revealed what happened at the moment Ikushima was “fired.”
