Masahiro Matsuoka Absent from Tetsuwan DASH New Year Special Amid Legal Dispute

Matsuoka supported Kokubun’s human rights petition

An irregularity occurred in the popular New Year’s program.

The January 4 special of the former TOKIO regular program “The! Tetsuwan! DASH‼” (“Ultraman DASH,” Nippon TV) aired without Matsuoka Masahiro (48).

While the program guide listed Shigeru Jōjima (55) and Kazunari Ninomiya of Arashi (42), Matsuoka’s name was absent. This absence of the man who had led the show since its start in 1995 caused a stir.

It is unclear whether this was Matsuoka’s own decision or Nippon TV’s policy, but the issue at hand is likely the series of problems surrounding Taichi Kokubun (51).

Last June, Kokubun was found to have committed a compliance violation and stepped down from the program. Later, claiming that the details of the violation had not been explained, he filed a human rights petition with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA). Matsuoka supported him in this.

Answering inquiries from Shukan Bunshun and Shukan Shincho, Matsuoka questioned Nippon TV’s response. However, publicly criticizing a TV station where one has a regular program is taboo in the entertainment industry, and the backlash was significant, particularly online, sparking criticism of Nippon TV.

On December 25, it was revealed that Kokubun’s human rights petition had been rejected. Kokubun’s lawyer stated:

“We do not recognize this as a conclusion that there was no human rights violation against Mr. Kokubun. We will continue to consider ways to achieve human rights relief.”

At present, this means that Nippon TV’s response regarding Kokubun is considered appropriate.

“This allows Nippon TV to claim that their response to Kokubun was correct. Within the company, voices have resurfaced criticizing Matsuoka’s confessional article as an unexpected strike and a rule violation, saying that there’s no way it could go unpunished,” said a current Nippon TV employee.

Some reports suggest that Matsuoka’s absence from the New Year special is seen as a cut-off notice from Nippon TV.

A March program graduation is rumored

Meanwhile, Matsuoka himself was reportedly prepared for this outcome when he spoke with Bunshun and Shinchō, according to an entertainment industry professional familiar with the situation:

“Having been involved with Tetsuwan DASH for over 30 years, and having challenged Nippon TV in the process, he is ready to accept any penalty. Until now, his appearances on the program were contracted through STARTO, but Matsuoka ended his contract with the company at the end of last year. From January 1, he restarted under his own personal agency, ‘MMsun.’ The next contract renewal for appearances is this March. Negotiations with Nippon TV will now be direct, but with the turbulence involved, it is widely said that program graduation is likely.”

Similarly, former TOKIO leader Jōjima also left STARTO at the same time as Matsuoka and founded “Jōjima Farm Co., Ltd.” on January 1. The company’s business scope spans entertainment activities, lectures, regional projects, education, social collaboration, and e-commerce. The company’s concept is stated as:

“How can our generation inherit the sweat and wisdom of our predecessors and pass it on to the next generation? This is the starting point of our work.”

It also declares:

“While valuing co-education, learning together with the ‘human skills’ cultivated by predecessors and colleagues, we respect the traditions and culture rooted in the region.”

This naturally evokes the disaster recovery and town revitalization projects featured on Tetsuwan DASH.

“In fact, there are also rumors that Jōjima will graduate from the program in March. The reasons cited include last year marking the program’s 30th anniversary, TOKIO’s disbandment, and the increasingly tough demands of fieldwork due to age. He also seems to want to focus on new challenges after going independent,” said a TV network source.

If Jōjima and Matsuoka leave, the program itself could face questions about its continuity. Nippon TV responded to our inquiry:

“Regarding ‘The! Tetsuwan! DASH‼,’ there are no plans to end the program.”

However,

2026 is a “Hinoeuma” year, occurring once every 60 years. Will Tetsuwan DASH face a year of upheaval as well?