Nippon TV Opens Up About Its Connection With Matsuoka and Joshima

Nippon TV says, “No need for verification”

Are celebrities human beings or commodities?

Former TOKIO member Masahiro Matsuoka (48) delivered a candid statement that raises this very question.

In June of this year, it was revealed that Taichi Kokubun (51) had engaged in inappropriate behavior toward staff on Nippon TV’s The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!. Kokubun stepped down from the program, and TOKIO subsequently disbanded.

While Kokubun expressed deep remorse, Nippon TV did not disclose the specifics of the violation. Unable to act without that information, Kokubun held a press conference on November 26 with his representative, repeatedly requesting the network to clarify what exactly the violation had been:

“I want to verify the facts.”

At a regular press conference on December 1, Hiroyuki Fukuda, president of Nippon TV, dismissed the request, citing the need to protect the victims:

“We do not consider it necessary to verify the facts. Considering the intentions of those involved, Nippon TV sees no further need for disclosure.”

Amid this, Matsuoka spoke out.

In interviews with Shukan Bunshun and Shukan Shincho released on December 4, he expressed doubts over the network’s lack of explanation regarding Kokubun’s resignation from Tetsuwan DASH!. Fukuda had also told Matsuoka and Shigeru Joshima (55),

“We hope you will continue appearing on the show,”

but regarding this, Matsuoka told Shukan Bunshun:

“I realized, ‘Ah, we no longer have the choice to decide our own course.’ Honestly, we’re left wondering what our position should be and how we are supposed to approach the program. With no explanation, all we can think is, ‘What exactly is going on here?’”

Celebrities are essentially treated as products, with their appearances governed by contracts between their agencies and TV networks. Offers come if the network wants them to appear, and vice versa. The volatility of the industry is partly due to the fact that talent has little decision-making power.

Voices from within the network: “There could have been a better way to handle this”

An entertainment industry source commented:

“Tetsuwan DASH! is a long-running program celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. From the perspective of Matsuoka and Joshima, it seems unreasonable that they weren’t told the reason behind Kokubun’s resignation, given their years of shared experience. At its core, this highlights the low status of talent. It ultimately raises the question: are entertainers treated as people or as commodities? Matsuoka’s confession resonates strongly with many in the entertainment industry.”

Within Nippon TV, there are differing opinions about Kokubun’s handling.

Top executives, including President Hiroyuki Fukuda, were reportedly furious at Kokubun for filing a human rights complaint without prior notice, despite the compliance violation. “Human rights” is a term the network reacts to most sensitively.

On the other hand, some in the production teams felt uncomfortable with the network’s approach, even while agreeing that Kokubun’s actions were unacceptable.

For instance, Fukuda’s cold remark at a press conference—

“No need for verification”

—was criticized internally. A Nippon TV insider revealed:

“Kokubun is a long-serving contributor to Nippon TV. Many staff feel there could have been a more considerate way to handle it.”

Fukuda joined Nippon TV in 1985. He progressed through positions including Director of Sales Promotion (2007), Director of Business Strategy for Programming (2009), Programming Director (2011), Head of Production Bureau (2014), and Executive Director of Programming (2018). He became CEO of Nippon TV earlier this year.

“He comes from a programming background, so he can be very businesslike. Seeing the damage Fuji TV suffered with Masahiro Nakai, he probably cut Kokubun before things escalated. From a management perspective, the decision makes sense, but in terms of post-event care and empathy, he could have engaged with Kokubun a bit more,” said the insider.

The website also contacted Nippon TV for comment regarding Kokubun’s case.

Q: Was there any issue with how Nippon TV handled Matsuoka and Joshima?

“Regarding the important cast members Matsuoka and Joshima, we have maintained careful dialogue directly and through STARTO ENTERTAINMENT Inc. and TOKIO Inc. We intend to clearly communicate our thoughts and listen to their feelings.”

Q: Kokubun repeatedly said he wanted to verify the facts during his press conference. Is there any possibility that verification will happen?

“Our response to Taichi Kokubun’s press conference was explained in detail at our December 1 regular press briefing. Please refer to that for our position.”

Inside the network, concern over President Fukuda’s handling is reportedly growing day by day. How Nippon TV moves forward will be closely watched by the entire entertainment industry.