Fuji TV Staffer Arrested Over Illegal Online Casino Associates Reveal Gambling Obsession and Selling Clothes for Cash

Introducing On-Casino to Male Announcers?

On June 23, Fuji TV variety programming executive YOSHITAKA SUZUKI (44), head of planning in the Variety Production Department, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of habitual gambling through online casinos. Suzuki is alleged to have accessed casino websites from within Japan and played games such as baccarat and video slots between September 22, 2024, and around May 13 this year.

“According to his statement, Suzuki began using online casinos about five years ago. Particularly from March of this year, he is said to have gambled approximately 170 million yen (about $1.05 million) in just a month and a half. During that period, it’s estimated he lost around 10 million yen,” said a national newspaper’s social affairs reporter.

Suzuki allegedly went so far as to borrow money from associates to fund his gambling. Despite being investigated and disciplined by the company for his gambling, he continued to place bets and reportedly gave false statements in an internal inquiry. During police questioning, he admitted to the charges, saying, “I underestimated the company. I thought I could keep going without getting caught,” and, “I’m addicted to gambling.”

On June 24, while being transferred to prosecutors, Suzuki kept his head down the entire time, hiding his expression.

Also on the 24th, Fuji TV announcer KENTA YAMAMOTO (27) was referred to prosecutors on similar gambling charges. Yamamoto is believed to have gambled about 12.5 million yen (approx. $77,000) between February and July last year, losing about 4 million yen (approx. $25,000).

“Yamamoto has admitted the charges, saying he learned about baccarat gambling through Suzuki and became hooked,” the same reporter explained.

In addition to gambling large sums, Suzuki reportedly introduced online casinos to Yamamoto. With Fuji TV’s shareholder meeting looming on June 25, the station is said to be in turmoil.

“Mr. Suzuki is a talented director known for shows like Out x Deluxe and Sanma’s Comedy Improvement Committee. He was deeply trusted by top stars like Sanma Akashiya (69) and Matsuko Deluxe (52). His arrest has caused serious concern among executives already dealing with a string of scandals,” said a Fuji TV insider.

 

An insider reveals his unexpected true face

Suzuki, the suspect, also served as the chief director for Fuji TV’s daytime variety show Poka Poka. Having worked on several of the network’s prominent programs, who exactly is this man? A representative from a talent agency who had been involved in some of Suzuki’s shows shared insights.

“Mr. Suzuki was an exceptionally skilled director, known for his good character on set. He would casually chat with even young assistant directors and never acted superior. His sincerity toward everyone left a lasting impression, and he was highly trusted on-site.”

Another Fuji TV insider added, “He was excellent as a director. He gave precise advice to the talents, and everyone respected him. He seemed particularly close to talents from Yoshimoto Kogyo. Big-name celebrities liked him a lot.”

Despite this positive reputation among colleagues, Suzuki’s extreme fondness for gambling was apparently no secret.

“His gambling addiction was well known — most of the staff knew about it. Aside from online casinos, he was also into horse racing and pachinko. He would often joke, ‘I don’t have any savings because I spend all my money on gambling.’”

Still, he couldn’t stop. 

“I remember him saying, ‘I sold some of my clothes on a flea market app and went to pachinko with the money.’ At the time, we all laughed, thinking it was just a joke. But looking back now, it’s clear he was already deeply trapped in a gambling addiction,” said the talent agency representative.

Fuji TV issued a statement: 

“We take the arrest of our employee seriously. We will continue to fully cooperate with the police investigation and work diligently on measures to prevent a recurrence. We sincerely apologize to our viewers and stakeholders for the trouble caused.”

The situation has now placed added urgency on Fuji TV to reassess and strengthen its internal management systems.