Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto Faces Backlash for Skipping SASUKE

“He also apologized, saying, ‘I sincerely apologize for this time’”

The annual large-scale special “SASUKE 2025 ~43rd Tournament~” (TBS) aired for the first time over two consecutive nights from December 24–25, ’25. Regarding this tournament, Ryōichi Tsukada (39) of A.B.C-Z, the original SASUKE idol, who participated for the first time representing STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, announced that it would be his final challenge.

Meanwhile, Hikaru Iwamoto (32) of Snow Man was forced to withdraw due to insufficient condition, prompting relentless criticism from viewers.

“SASUKE” is a sports-entertainment program in which challengers aim to clear the stage while overcoming a wide variety of obstacles. Among former Johnny & Associates idols, Tsukada first participated in the 31st tournament (broadcast July ’15). Following him, Iwamoto appeared in the 33rd tournament (broadcast March ’17) but fell in the 1st stage, immediately receiving SASUKE’s baptism by fire.

“Since then, including Tsukada and Iwamoto, junior members from the former Johnny’s who had not yet debuted in CDs have also participated in SASUKE. In recent years, the program has tended to feature Iwamoto, and scenes regularly show him interacting with veteran challengers.

However, there is a certain number of viewers who are not pleased with Iwamoto’s presence. The reason is that Iwamoto only cleared the 1st stage on his sixth attempt, during the 38th tournament (broadcast December ’20), and has yet to reach the final stage. Despite his past results not being outstanding, the program continues to push him, which seems to frustrate some viewers,” explained an entertainment writer.

In fact, when Iwamoto was selected as a member of JAPAN Blue for the broadcast of “SASUKE World Cup 2024” in August ’24, online comments included harsh opinions such as, “Iwamoto has never cleared the final stage, how is he allowed to appear? He’ll probably fail again this time anyway.”

Iwamoto has appeared in the regular “SASUKE” ten times, but for this tournament, it was already revealed by late November that he would be unable to compete due to being in poor condition on the day.

On the December 24 broadcast, when it was Iwamoto’s turn, the announcer stated, “Due to insufficient condition today, he is unable to compete.”

Iwamoto himself apologized, saying, “Under the various circumstances and situations, all the participants prepared for this day, and I am unable to show you myself playing. To all the people supporting me, I sincerely apologize.”

He added, “If everyone permits, I would like to watch the remaining SASUKE live, carry everyone’s thoughts with me, and continue to challenge SASUKE in the future. I am truly sorry this time,” bowing politely at the end.

There are mixed opinions online

In response, netizens commented,

〈Iwamoto Hikaru, the absolute worst in ‘SASUKE’ history. I never want to see him again〉
〈Iwamoto is such a useless mess. If you were feeling unwell, say so from the start. Don’t appear on ‘SASUKE’ anymore〉
〈I really don’t need Iwamoto’s tearful, sob story scenes〉
〈Iwamoto’s comment about ‘not being able to show you my challenging side’ is seriously misguided and off-putting. I don’t want to see you at all〉

Harsh comments kept coming. In addition, there was no detailed explanation in the program about poor condition. Despite the unclear reason, Iwamoto stayed on site, watching other challengers and giving advice, which may have made people think, “Who does he think he is?”

“Also, it was raining on the day of filming, so fans have suggested, ‘Perhaps the agency stopped him from competing so that an injury wouldn’t affect his other work.’ Currently, Snow Man has many commitments, and their five-dome tour ‘Snow Man Dome Tour 2025-2026 ON’ also began on November 15. It was a timing when avoiding injuries would be crucial,” (same source)

On the other hand,

〈From a program fan’s perspective, Iwamoto Hikaru was one of the people who revived ‘SASUKE’ when it was struggling. No matter what anyone says, Iwamoto is necessary for ‘SASUKE’〉
〈Those criticizing Iwamoto probably don’t really like ‘SASUKE.’ If you watch the show every year, you know he doesn’t take it lightly or half-heartedly〉
〈Iwamoto, it’s really sad seeing you attacked online. I’m sure deciding to give up was not easy, and I hope he returns next year. Above all, I like him because he’s passionate〉

Defensive voices were also heard. It seems there are quite a few who feel positively about Iwamoto supporting his fellow competitors. In the next challenge, we hope he shows enough performance to overcome the negative opinions aimed at him.