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.

Fuji’s ability to create variety shows

Ken Shimura’s comedy skits had audiences roaring with laughter, but some scenes—now deemed unsuitable for broadcast—contained elements of violence or sexual harassment. At the time, his shows were sometimes criticized as lowbrow entertainment.

However, in this recent broadcast, those controversial scenes were aired without cuts.

“Elements like the senile old man character, which would be considered off-limits today, were treated as just another comedy skit. Even watching them now, I couldn’t help but laugh. It reinforced the idea that comedy transcends time, while also reminding me of Ken Shimura’s exceptional comedic talent. But I believe the only reason his comedy could be fully appreciated was because Fuji TV has such strong skills in producing variety shows.” (TV magazine writer)

Another surprising aspect, as noted by a sports newspaper reporter, was the inclusion of footage featuring Masashi Tashiro.

Tashiro, who was convicted in drug-related cases, has long been absent from television. Naturally, even his past appearances were avoided. Despite having frequently performed comedy skits alongside Ken Shimura, his scenes were always cut when reruns aired after his legal troubles. However, this time, his interactions with Shimura were broadcast in full. Incidentally, Tashiro’s probation period officially ended in April 2024.

Some viewers reacted to the broadcast with comments such as:

“Without sponsors, better programs can be made.”

“Is Fuji TV taking advantage of losing sponsors?”

It seemed to some that Fuji TV had fully embraced its current situation.

“That’s likely part of it,” said a commercial TV producer. “But the bigger issue is that, with sponsors pulling out, the network simply doesn’t have the budget to produce new programs. It’s like making a delicious meal with whatever ingredients are left in the fridge—Fuji TV used its high-rated past shows, the content they already had, to create an appetizing program. Of course, reusing old footage still requires paying royalties to the performers, but it’s much cheaper than producing an entirely new show.”

Recently, Fuji TV revealed that its February ad revenue had dropped by about 90% compared to the previous year. Under such severe financial strain, this rerun-based programming strategy appears to be a desperate measure to cope with the crisis.

Once the controversy settles, the sponsors will return

Indeed, without having to cater to sponsors, it becomes easier to create shows, increasing the potential for more entertaining content.

For example, in dramas, all alcoholic beverages shown are typically products from the show’s sponsors, and all cars belong to a single automaker. In contrast, when accidents or breakdowns occur, it’s always a competitor’s brand or a foreign car—an unnatural scenario that could disappear. Variety shows, too, would be free from concerns over sponsor complaints.

“Of course, a certain level of moderation is necessary, but we might see the return of variety shows featuring sexy scenes, which have largely disappeared. There’s a strong demand for reviving the late-night variety shows that were popular back then,” says the sports newspaper reporter.

Fuji TV once dominated ratings, achieving the triple crown and championing the slogan, “If it’s not fun, it’s not TV.” That was during the bubble era.

Some have pointed out that Fuji TV’s corporate culture and atmosphere may have indirectly contributed to this latest controversy. However, an employee from another commercial network offers a different perspective:

“Yes, things went in a bad direction this time, but in a way, Fuji TV’s irreverence helped create fun and entertaining programs. That’s something other networks lack. If Fuji TV reflects on this situation and returns to its roots in program-making, it could become a formidable force once again. Watching Ken Shimura’s skits reminded me just how incredibly entertaining variety shows can be, and I’m hoping for a resurgence.”

Public interest in Masahiro Nakai’s scandal is beginning to wane. By the time the third-party committee releases its findings, many people may no longer care.

“Once the individuals involved are disciplined and the controversy settles, the sponsors will likely return,” says the commercial TV producer.

When that happens, the question remains—will Fuji TV be able to create the fun and entertaining programs viewers want, without simply catering to sponsors? That is what we’re eager to see.