Takashi Okamura’s Controversial Radio Remark: Why Famous People Make Slips of the Tongue

“Whenever I make a mistake, I lose my job at once.”

On February 20, Takashi Okamura (54) of the comedy duo Ninety-Nine appeared live on Nippon Broadcasting’s Ninety-Nine’s All Night Nippon and shared his views on the ongoing online casino issue within Yoshimoto Kogyo.

The trigger for the discussion was the apology and hiatus announcement from Reiwa Roman member Kuruma Takahira (30), who had played online casino games in the past. By the way, the day after the live broadcast, Shukan Seven reported online about an affair rumor between Kuruma and an ordinary person.

At the beginning of the radio segment, Okamura said:

“Given the times, if you make a mistake, you can lose your job instantly. There are definitely things that are unacceptable.”

He continued:

“I really wonder how many ordinary people, who are not celebrities, are playing online casinos and having affairs. I think a lot of them are doing it.”

“Celebrities, famous people, well-known figures, they get their photos taken and exposed because of their status.”

Okamura elaborated on his views:

“Certainly, even stars like Matsumoto Hitoshi or Nakai Masahiro can lose their jobs due to a single scandal. But that’s because the entertainment industry and television are supported by enormous sponsor funds. It’s not an exaggeration to say that talents are part of advertising. So, when a scandal happens, it becomes ‘reverse promotion’ for the sponsors, and they have to apologize and, sometimes, take a hiatus” (TV industry insider).

Okamura’s mention of ordinary people sparked controversy on social media:

“I don’t have the money to waste on online casinos or affairs like that.”

“If you want to be treated like an ordinary person, quit being a celebrity and become an ordinary person.”

Many people did not agree with the view that celebrities are unfairly treated compared to ordinary people in similar situations.