Masahiro Matsuoka Shock Sends Ripples Through Tetsuwan DASH—Nippon TV Worries About Impact on Itte Q!
Masahiro Matsuoka (right) criticizing Nippon TV’s handling, and Taichi Kokubun, who was pointed out for a compliance violationA clean image built through reconstruction events
The Nippon TV program The! Tetsuwan! DASH‼, which celebrated its 30th broadcast anniversary this year, now faces an unpredictable situation.
The show has walked alongside the band TOKIO, but in 2018 Tatsuya Yamaguchi (53) left the group, in 2021 Tomoya Nagase (47) departed, and in June 2025, Taichi Kokubun (51) was found to have a compliance violation and stepped down. As a result, TOKIO disbanded.
Even after Kokubun’s departure, the show continued as usual, but on December 4, when member Masahiro Matsuoka (48) revealed his thoughts to Shukan Bunshun and Shukan Shincho, the tide began to shift. Matsuoka expressed that he had not received an explanation from the network regarding Kokubun’s departure, and questioned Nippon TV’s procedure in determining the compliance violation:
“Is this really a compliance violation?”
Criticizing a network where one has regular programs is usually taboo. Still, Matsuoka could not stay silent, suggesting that the environment surrounding Kokubun had reached a critical point, according to an entertainment reporter covering sports news:
“Matsuoka has had multiple meals with Kokubun, together with Shigeru Joshima (55), the former leader of TOKIO. There, he learned the details of Nippon TV’s handling from Kokubun. While Kokubun’s compliance violation won’t be overturned, questions remain about the network’s response. Matsuoka, putting aside personal safety, spoke out because he felt it was wrong.”
Matsuoka’s actions appear to have caught Nippon TV off guard. On December 10, the network issued a statement to Matsuoka and Joshima:
“We feel that our response has not sufficiently considered your feelings, and we sincerely apologize. Nippon TV wishes to once again provide a direct and careful explanation and sincerely take your feelings to heart.”
According to Shukan Shincho, on the previous day (December 9), executives and the show’s producer visited Joshima at the DASH filming site to resolve the situation. However, Joshima declined, saying it was not appropriate to discuss the matter on location.
The show was built around TOKIO. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the program devoted itself to supporting Fukushima’s reconstruction, backing up the efforts with the entire show. According to an advertising agency source:
“TOKIO participated in reconstruction events without receiving fees, showing real commitment. Thanks to this, the program maintained a clean image, making it easier to attract sponsors compared to other shows.”
However, this incident has strained the relationship with Nippon TV. And the disruption is now affecting the audience as well.
Former TOKIO members who appeared on Tetsuwan DASH for 30 yearsMatsuoka and Joshima’s contracts run until March next year
After Matsuoka’s confession, the December 7 broadcast of Tetsuwan DASH saw household ratings drop to 7.8%. This is lower than the previous program low of 7.9% on October 20, 2019, which had coincided with the Rugby World Cup that drew 41.6% ratings.
Furthermore, the December 21 episode aired opposite M-1 Grand Prix (TV Asahi), resulting in individual ratings of 5.4% and household ratings of 8.2% (both according to Video Research, Kanto area).
The content was a so-called gourmet-focused compilation, but only Matsuoka and Joshima appeared. Kokubun, Nagase, and Yamaguchi were not shown at all, prompting complaints on social media.
“Until now, Tetsuwan DASH was a safe bet for Nippon TV—it was easy to calculate and reliable. Since Matsuoka’s confession, the situation is changing. The impact isn’t limited to DASH; it’s also affecting the follow-up show Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q!. DASH has been a guidepost for viewers, so when its ratings drop, there’s a correlated decrease in Itte Q! as well,” said a network insider.
With the rise of other media, programs exceeding 20% ratings are now rare throughout the year. Even so, both shows had consistently maintained household ratings around 10% and a strong image, contributing to advertising revenue.
“Matsuoka and Joshima’s program contracts run until March next year. Some voices inside the network suggest that restoring a once-fractured relationship may be difficult. If that’s the case, the possibility of ending the program cannot be ruled out, but whether a replacement show will be ready by spring is uncertain.” said the same insider.
In contrast, Matsuoka’s YouTube channel Matsuoka no Channel has over 300,000 subscribers and steadily rising views. The channel is seen as a potential platform for Kokubun’s return.
When this site asked Nippon TV about ending Tetsuwan DASH, the network replied:
“There are no plans to end the program.”
Still, it is clear that things are becoming hectic behind the scenes.
What will happen next—remains to be seen.
PHOTO.： Shinji Hasuo