“I Have Proof” — The Remark by Kota Nakayama That Forced Shigeo Takahashi Into an Apology

There was a senior comedian who bullied me

Why did things become so complicated?

“Savanna” comedian Takahashi Shigeo (50) acknowledged past bullying toward R-1 winner and solo comedian Nakayama Kouta (45) and issued an apology. In response, Nakayama has also decided to let it go, but the situation has not completely settled.

The trigger was the May 5 broadcast of ABEMA’s “Naokiman’s Urban Legends Wide Show.” During a discussion on people with dual sides, Nakayama revealed:

“There are people in the comedy world too. There’s a senior comedian who bullied me for about 10 years.”

Although no name was disclosed, he added:

“He’s extremely successful.”

“He’s someone everyone probably has a good impression of.”

This led to online speculation about the identity of the person involved, and the situation escalated into a search for the culprit. The person who stepped in to calm things down was Takahashi’s partner, Masumi Yagi (51).

After speaking with Nakayama over the phone to settle things amicably, Yagi apologized on behalf of the duo for Takahashi’s past behavior. Takahashi himself also posted on X late on the 10th, reflecting on past interactions:

“I apologized for the way I spoke and interacted, which made him feel uncomfortable. I was truly immature and failed to consider how it would be received.”

He continued:

“I hope I can work with Kouta again someday. I sincerely apologize for causing trouble.”

However, concerns remain about Takahashi’s public image. He has a high level of popularity and is the voice of “Cossie,” a chair character on NHK E-Tele’s children’s program “Miitsuketa!” He also appears in commercials for the anti-diarrhea medicine “Stoper.”

According to an advertising agency insider:

“So far, there have been no major developments. Both E-Tele and pharmaceutical commercials are highly image-sensitive, so if negative impressions spread, it’s unclear what will happen going forward.”

Nakayama’s revelation came during a variety show segment.

The expression was being bullied

Moreover, the real name was bleeped out. Because of this, some voices even said that Takahashi himself coming forward was unnecessary and that it would have been better to ignore it—

A comedy industry insider who responded to this site’s interview pointed out:

“It’s because Kouta posted that extra comment on X. If he hadn’t done that, the situation wouldn’t have escalated this much.”

The extra comment occurred on the 8th, while online users were already engaged in a search for the person involved. Nakayama posted on X regarding the comedian’s real name:

“I will not name them. The reason is that it would cause trouble for the person involved.”

On the other hand, he also declared:

“If they go so far as to claim that never happened, I will produce evidence.”

He further added:

“I’m extremely frustrated, but they are an incredibly funny person. They are insanely talented. I could never beat them. I will surpass them through effort alone, so when that happens, don’t run away.”

This even amounted to a kind of challenge.

“Perhaps Nakayama panicked due to unexpected developments, but his aggressive posts made it impossible to let things slide. Online users’ search efforts intensified all at once, and this must have put significant pressure on Takahashi. In fact, Yoshimoto was reportedly surprised by Savanna’s apology,” (same comedy industry source).

As a result, Yagi stepped in and Takahashi issued an apology. Nakayama also came to realize the seriousness of the situation. When he understood that Takahashi’s work could be affected, he posted a long statement on X on May 12.

“My use of the expression was being bullied in the program was completely inappropriate. I apologize. (omitted) In a variety show context, I should have said a comedian I disliked or more formally a comedian I used to dislike.”

He wrote this and more, but it can only be described as too little, too late.

Meanwhile, those most shaken by the situation are the program’s production staff. A director of a variety show commented:

“Confession-style talk is a staple of TV production. However, going forward, even anonymous remarks will need stricter pre-screening, considering the risk of online witch hunts, which is frankly terrifying. More than that, if performers themselves make unexpected posts that pour fuel on the fire like Nakayama did, there’s nothing we can do. Casting will also require even greater caution.”

Savanna Takahashi, who appears in multiple regular programs and has a high public image including work on E-Tele, now faces an uncertain impact from this incident.