Concerns Are Constant ItteQ! Faces Backlash Over Content Changes and Limit Theory Speculation

Concerns were always present

The popular Japanese television variety show Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q! (ItteQ!) sparked controversy after suddenly changing part of its programming on February 2.

A segment featuring the comedy duo Ganbareuya filming in South Korea was scheduled to air, but just four hours before the broadcast, the official show’s X account posted the following message:

“Due to a confirmation issue with the filming location, we will be changing the content of today’s show.”

The broadcast that day was replaced with a best-of episode, and on February 7, the official X account provided the following explanation under the title “Regarding the Change in Broadcast Content on February 2, 2025”:

“The filming location for the South Korea segment of Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q! on February 2 was reported to be connected to the Unification Church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. As a result, we made an emergency decision to change the broadcast content.

Following this, we contacted the organization directly for confirmation, but we were unable to verify with certainty that they were not related to the Unification Church. After a thorough review of independent reporting and the current situation in Japan, we have decided not to air this segment in the future.”

In response to this incident, staff from the production company expressed that concerns had always been present.

“Within the network, some have said, ‘It was bound to happen.’ ItteQ! is known for going to the ends of the earth, and some of its projects involve endless filming trips, which are quite bold. In March of last year, there was a dispute involving Ayako Imoto (39) over her shoot in the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the embassy staff of the Democratic Republic of the Congo complained, saying, ‘This was not what we were told.'” (Production staff)

Concerns about sexual and power harassment

At first, Nippon Television (NTV) claimed that they wanted to showcase the beautiful nature of Congo during the filming in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the actual content involved talent participating in professional wrestling events, which had nothing to do with nature. Hiroyuki Fukuda, who was the executive director at the time (63, now the president of NTV), explained in a press conference:

“It’s true that we received a complaint from the embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo stating, ‘This is not what we were told,’ and we have explained the situation. It’s also true that, in response to the local situation, the content of the shoot was changed.”

He further stated, “There are things you only learn by going on location for a shoot,” and added, “First, we are trying our best to have the understanding of our stance regarding the program.”

However, it seems that this lesson was not applied.

“There was always concern that the verification process would not keep up, especially with the weekly broadcasts of long-term overseas shoots,” said a staff member from the production company.

The staff also mentioned that there were additional concerns. A segment featuring regular female comedians, called the “Onsen Club,” was reportedly facing criticism from some quarters, with suggestions that it could be seen as sexual harassment or power harassment.

Indeed, the “Onsen Club” segment is harsh. The female comedians are sometimes thrown into extreme situations, such as being made to wear yukata in freezing cold locations, swim in frozen ponds, or participate in sumo matches. It often seems more intense than punishments given to male comedians in other programs.

“At night, they also participate in costume karaoke competitions or attempt group musical performances. During the filming period, they barely have time to rest. On top of that, Asako Ito (54) is referred to as ‘Baba’ in the narration. While she’s used to being teased as a comedian and doesn’t mind physical challenges, there are certainly viewers who feel uncomfortable with these types of productions. The show started in 2007, and it’s now in its 18th year, but there have been voices of doubt about whether these types of productions fit with the era of Reiwa,” said the staff member.

The limits of planning

A popular program that has consistently ranked first in the weekly viewership ratings (Oricon) in the variety show category, but trouble continues to surround it, with concerns about compliance. According to a source from Nippon Television, there are particular circumstances behind the situation.

“Since the program’s inception, the planning and overall direction have always been handled by the Deputy Director of the Content Production Department, a staff member at the station with the title of General Director. Additionally, the broadcast writer, who is also known as the husband of a famous actress, appears to be the sole person responsible for most of the program’s ideas.

Having just one writer for a prime-time, popular variety program is quite rare. The burden placed on the writer is so large that voices are being raised about the feeling of limits to the concept. In light of this, it may be necessary to consider increasing the number of writers or bringing in new talent.”

Popular variety programs like “Jinsei ga Kawaru 1-Funkan no Fii Inai Hanashi” and “Sekaiichi Uketai Jugyo” have ended, and the decision to end “Gyoretsu no Dekiru Soudansho” this March has also been made by Nippon Television.

While “ItteQ!” continues to be a model long-running show with high ratings, this latest trouble may lead to a closer examination of its staff and planning content.