Nippon TV Confident, But Fans Doubt Tetsuwan DASH Without Masahiro Matsuoka

Concerns About the Future of Tetsuwan DASH

The ongoing controversy surrounding former TOKIO member Taichi Kokubun (51) shows no signs of subsiding. The situation even prompted a former TV writer, who had connections with SMAP and TOKIO, to weigh in.

The trouble began in June this year, when Kokubun was removed from the Nippon TV program The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!due to conduct deemed a compliance violation.

Because Nippon TV did not provide detailed explanations of the violation, Kokubun was unable to apologize. On November 26, he held a press conference with his lawyer—a widely reported event.

Kokubun requested to check answers a total of twelve times, seeking clarity between the inappropriate actions he remembered and those the network judged as violations. However, Hiroyuki Fukuda, president of Nippon TV, stated at a December 1 press conference that, from the perspective of protecting victims, there is no need for such a check.

Amid the deadlock, fellow TOKIO member Masahiro Matsuoka (48) spoke out. In interviews with Shukan Bunshun and Shukan Shincho, he revealed that neither he nor Shigeru Joshima (55) had received proper explanations from Nippon TV regarding Kokubun’s removal. He described his feelings about continuing to appear on Tetsuwan DASH under such circumstances:

“Honestly, we’re wondering what position we should take and how we should engage with the program going forward. It makes you think, ‘What is this?’”

It is unprecedented for a key member like Matsuoka to publicly criticize Nippon TV’s handling through the media—a move showing considerable resolve.

Amid reports that Matsuoka and Joshima might leave the program, former TV writer Osamu Suzuki (53) wrote in a December 10 column for Nikkan SPA!:

“If Joshima-san and Matsuoka-san choose to graduate from ‘Tetsuwan DASH’ and the show continues with only the younger members, is that really acceptable? I don’t think it is.”

The Role of Program Sponsors Becomes Key

On the December 7 broadcast of Tetsuwan DASH, the popular segment DASH Island Shipbuilding Project and a new segment, DASH 100-Person Cafeteria, aired. In the former, Shigeru Joshima made a brief appearance, but Masahiro Matsuoka was absent. The latter segment featured Morimoto Shintaro (28) and Kochi Yugo (age not disclosed) from SixTONES, and Fujiwara Joichiro (29) and Ohashi Kazuya (28) from Naniwa Danshi, leaving no TOKIO presence at all.

A TV industry insider revealed:

“Both Joshima-san and Matsuoka-san have reduced their on-location appearances due to age. Instead, younger talents from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT are being deployed in their place. From the network’s perspective, Nippon TV isn’t planning to make major changes to Tetsuwan DASH. In the worst case, the show could continue even without TOKIO.”

This is exactly what Osamu Suzuki cautioned against. Longtime TOKIO fans also commented:

“Tetsuwan DASH equals TOKIO. It’s understandable that the members appear less frequently as the years go by, but leaving the program entirely is a completely different matter. Without them, it’s no longer Tetsuwan DASH.”

Matsuoka recently left STARTO, where he had an agency contract, and established his own personal office. Joshima is also expected to become independent soon.

“STARTO and Matsuoka-san and Joshima-san still maintain good relations. If the two leave Tetsuwan DASH, the younger talents will find it difficult to appear. STARTO is currently observing quietly, but if the seniors exit the show, discussions with Nippon TV will take place. I believe the program’s sponsors will also have a say,” explained the same TV insider.

The show is facing a potential crisis in its 30th anniversary year. Nippon TV told Friday Digital:

“Regarding the important talents Matsuoka-san and Joshima-san, we intend to continue careful dialogue directly, as well as through STARTO ENTERTAINMENT and TOKIO Co., Ltd., to communicate our thoughts and fully respect their feelings.”

As for the possibility of Tetsuwan DASH ending:

“There are no plans to end the program.”

Even if new segments are popular with viewers, TOKIO undeniably built the history of Tetsuwan DASH. That fact carries significant weight.