Hiroshi Ikushima’s Indefinite Self-Ban Forces His Talent to Make a Decision and a Request

Some talent thinking of leaving

Hiroshi Ikushima (74), who was the chairman and leading talent of “Ikushima Kikaku-shitsu,” stepped down from his chairman role just over two weeks ago.

Facing allegations of power harassment and sexual harassment, he was abruptly removed from his long-running radio program, “Hiroshi Ikushima’s Ohayou Teishoku・Ohayou Icchokusen” (TBS Radio), just before its 7,000th broadcast. He has since gone on indefinite hiatus, with little hope for a comeback.

As the April programming revision period approaches, anxiety is growing among talents affiliated with the agency.

“Looking at what happened with the former Johnny’s Agency, it’s easy to understand the concern. Even if the affiliated talents themselves have done nothing wrong, just being associated with Ikushima Kikaku-shitsu could lead to their regular programs or commercial deals being canceled. Some talents are now considering leaving the agency due to fears that they may lose work or struggle to receive new offers.”

The agency currently represents talents such as “Shinnosuke Ikehata” (72), who appears in the NHK morning drama “Omusubi,” as well as popular idols. If they decide to leave or transfer to another agency, it could spell financial trouble for the company.

Particular attention is being paid to the veteran female announcers whom Ikushima personally scouted, many of whom previously worked for major TV networks. The most prominent among them is “Miyoko Yoshikawa” (70), who was Ikushima’s junior at TBS and continues to work as an MC and commentator. Other notable figures include former NHK announcer “Yuko Naito” (48), former Fuji TV announcers “Rieko Terada” (63), “Noriko Yoshizaki” (63), and “Yumi Masuda” (70), as well as former TV Asahi announcer “Mikiko Minami” (68). All of them reportedly joined the agency after being personally recruited by Ikushima.