Koji Higashino Thrives Amid TV Slump with Scandal-Free Image

MC for 13 years

This Spring, Koji Higashino (57) Saw Three of His Regular Programs End in Quick Succession:
“Gyoretsu no Dekiru Sodanjo” and “Tabizaru with Okamura” (both on NTV), and “Wide na Show” (Fuji TV).
However, according to a production company director, “Higashino’s value in the TV industry has actually increased.”

“The end of Wide na Show was due to a series of issues at Fuji TV. As for Gyoretsu, Higashino took over from the suddenly retired Shinsuke Shimada (69) and hosted it for over 13 years — that alone is impressive.”

In fact, Higashino hasn’t been absent from TV at all. Starting in March, he temporarily filled in as host on shows like Gobugobu (MBS) and Prebat!! (TBS) for Masatoshi Hamada (62) of Downtown, who was on break.

“There are very few people who have both the talent and name recognition to substitute for stars like Shimada or Downtown. Though he’s now a veteran in terms of age, Higashino never acts superior. He’s extremely in tune with the latest trends and has thorough knowledge of entertainment and up-and-coming talents. He treats all co-stars and guests equally, regardless of their status. He even uses a photo of his grandchild as his phone wallpaper — he’s family-oriented and completely scandal-free, which makes him a safe and appealing choice for producers.” (Key TV station producer)

On “Input by Higashino and Yamazato” (BS Yoshimoto), young comedians present topics like rakugo and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which Higashino himself is deeply knowledgeable about — often more so than the presenters.

“He even researches the background of these relatively unknown young comedians! It’s admirable. His YouTube project ‘Entertainment Report Meeting’, which he co-hosts with ex-TV Tokyo producer Nobuyuki Sakuma (49), showcases their picks for best content of the year and is highly regarded in the industry for its depth and wide coverage.” (Broadcast writer)

The same production director praises Higashino’s branding:

“On his radio show ‘Koji Higashino’s Real Radio’ (Asahi Broadcasting), he has a segment where he asks for heckles about himself and analyzes them in a self-deprecating way. It shows he’s keeping himself grounded and not getting complacent. In contrast to someone like Hitoshi Matsumoto (61), who ended up surrounded by yes-men and fell off TV due to sexual misconduct allegations, Higashino is the complete opposite. He even jokes about the recent end of his three shows and uses it as material to get more guest appearances. His ability to turn misfortune into comedy is impressive.”

Higashino also frequently appears in special programs for local stations, such as “Koji Higashino’s Fukushima Relocation Plan” (Fukushima Chuo TV) and “Exclusive Mitsuboshi Bus for Koji Higashino” (TV Kanazawa), often centered around relocation themes.

“He keeps the same attitude even on local station shows, and always looks like he’s having fun. Shows like ‘Owarai Wide Show Marco Porori!’ (Kansai TV) let him shine more freely — his true comedic nature comes through better in the Kansai region. Still, some younger staff see him as such a big name now that they hesitate to approach him. That’s the only downside.” (Broadcast writer)

Higashino’s ability to turn even setbacks into positives may make the ongoing TV industry slump work in his favor.

From FRIDAY magazine, May 30, 2025 issue