Furudate’s Concern: Apathy in the TV Industry — Can That Show Be Fuji TV’s Savior?

The third-party committee issued quite a harsh statement

Fuji TV’s future remains uncertain.

The controversy sparked by former talent Masahiro Nakai’s (52) personal issues has spilled over to Fuji. Over 80 sponsors have halted their commercials, and major shareholder, U.S. investment fund Dalton Investments, is demanding a leadership overhaul, including the dismissal of executives like Director Hisashi Hieda.

The third-party committee, composed of external lawyers, is expected to release its findings by the end of March, but the tone among station employees is grim.

“Flags have already been raised. With so many issues being pointed out, there’s no way they can announce no governance issues. It’s expected that there will be some very harsh wording. After seeing that, sponsors will have no reason to approve the resumption of commercials. It’s said that this situation could continue until the fall, not just until the April programming change,” says a television industry insider.

While Fuji’s problems are many, veteran freelance announcer Ichirō Furudate (70) has found resonance among people in the entertainment industry. On the February 8 broadcast of Yomiuri TV’s “Soko made itte NP” (local Kansai program), Furudate shared insights into the inner workings of the TV industry, not just at Fuji:

“Capturing big-name MCs and those with connections is how producers rise in the ranks. Fuji TV may have the most prominent example of this, but it’s happening across other stations too,” he said. He continued:

“Once you have that big-name MC, it feels like the work is almost done. After that, it’s just a matter of playing some VTRs. In such an environment, you need to address the background that led to the issues we’re seeing now. If there was a scheme like this, it’s over. That’s the end.”

Furudate lamented the stagnation in thinking among station employees. A senior figure in a veteran talent agency agreed with his sentiments.

 

The cast is young, but the staff is also young: The on-site situation

“The controversial former Fuji TV programming executive A, who was involved with ‘Matsumo to Nakai’ (which has ended), is a prime example. They cast two big names, Matsumoto Hitoshi (61) and Nakae Masahiro, and thought that would be enough. The intention was clear: casting these two would make it hard for guests to turn down the offer. In the past, there was a passionate back-and-forth between production and performers to improve the show. But recently, both the cast and staff seem to be just going through the motions. If this continues, the industry will wither.”

Even so, there is hope. For example, Fuji’s variety show “Atarashii Kagi” (Saturdays at 8 PM), which started in April 2021. Featuring the next generation of comedians like “Shimofuri Myojo’s” Shohin and Seiya, “Chocolate Planet’s” Matsuo Shun, Nagata Shohei, and “Hanako’s” Akiyama Hiroki, Okabe Dai, and Kikuta Ryudai, the show has a fresh energy. A Fuji TV insider reveals:

“The cast is young, but the staff is also young. More importantly, there’s passion on set. This comes from the detailed feedback from performers like Shohin. Sometimes there are heated arguments. But the staff doesn’t just take it, they push back when needed. With similar ages, there’s freedom and open discussion. Everyone is motivated by the idea of winning the world with this show.”

The show has been a hit, particularly with its School Hide-and-Seek segment, and has targeted core viewers aged 13-49 with great success. Recently, they’ve focused on projects aimed at students, like The Road to National High School Basketball Championship, Comedy Grand Prix with Teachers, and Find the Teacher!

“Though it’s become harder to get cooperation from schools and students due to the recent controversy, they’re holding regular meetings to overcome the challenges. Shohin, known for being critical, has a strong attachment to ‘Atarashii Kagi’ and actively offers his opinions,” says the insider.

Despite the negative press surrounding Fuji, perhaps it’s time for the creators to return to their roots and rediscover their passion.