Fuji TV’s Bold Move: Airing Ken Shimura’s Comedy Show Featuring Masashi Tashiro Amidst Desperate Circumstances

The footage is presented as it was originally recorded

Fuji TV has established a third-party committee and continues its investigation, meaning that Masahiro Nakai’s (52) women trouble scandal shows no signs of resolution. With sponsors pulling out for an extended period, most of the commercials aired during programs are either AC Japan’s public service announcements or promotions for Fuji TV’s own shows.

Viewers seem to have grown accustomed to this and no longer mind. In fact, some have even welcomed the AC Japan commercials, saying:

“Unlike corporate ads, these aren’t noisy, so I actually prefer them.”

“As a result, the impact of losing sponsors hasn’t significantly affected viewers, and ratings haven’t plummeted drastically. Some programs are even maintaining strong numbers,” says a television magazine writer.

One such program that has been making headlines is “The Nation’s Choice! Ken Shimura’s 30 Funniest Skits” (Fuji TV), which aired on February 24.

Throughout January, a nationwide poll was conducted on a special website where fans could vote for their favorite Ken Shimura skits. The best 30 were then selected from his iconic performances in Dorifu Daibakushou, Ken Shimura’s Bakatonosama, and Ken Shimura’s Daijoubu Da. These were ranked and featured in the show.

At the beginning of the program, a caption appeared on screen stating:

“This program was created to reflect on the legacy of Ken Shimura together with viewers, and the original footage is presented as it was at the time.”

This is the kind of disclaimer often seen when classic Japanese films from decades ago are aired on television. Some lines or scenes that were not considered problematic at the time of release may now be deemed inappropriate and unfit for broadcast.

In some cases, problematic lines are cut, but when doing so disrupts the flow of the story or undermines the original theme and message, the content is sometimes aired in its original form.