Amid Reports of “Fracture-Related Workplace Harassment,” the “VIVANT” Movie Also “Hides Jai-san”… Concerns Over the Impact Abroad

Reminiscent of Gian

TBS’s Sunday Theater series “VIVANT” returned to the airwaves on October 4 after a three-week hiatus. Starring actor Masato Sakai (52), the show has generated significant buzz for its unprecedented scale—with a production budget of 100 million yen per episode—which is unthinkable in today’s television industry.

Average household viewership ratings have also been solid. The premiere on July 26 recorded 18.8 percent. The most recent episode, No. 19, which aired on October 4, scored 15.4 percent, maintaining a rating of 15 percent or higher for every episode (all figures from Video Research, Kanto region). These are astonishing numbers given the ongoing trend of people turning away from television.

At the helm is director Katsuo Fukuzawa (62), a former rugby player known by the nickname “Jai-san.”His nickname stems from his background as a former rugby player; his massive 190-centimeter frame is said to resemble Gian from “Doraemon,” but reports suggest his tyrannical behavior on set is no laughing matter—he acts just like Gian himself.

The September 17 issue of *Shukan Bunshun* reported that, in a fit of rage, Director Fukuzawa pushed over a staff member who was working with one foot on a stepladder, causing a fracture. It has also been revealed that *Shukan Josei* reported on Director Fukuzawa’s power harassment back in July, prompting TBS to take disciplinary action against him.

“Jai-san’s” harshness is widely known; even if the person on the receiving end is a famous actor, if they mess up a take,

“It’s your fault the shoot’s getting delayed!”

he would yell at them, and to actors who were late,

“You don’t need to come in starting tomorrow,”

. Moreover, his anger doesn’t end there;

“Any actor he deems unfit will never be called for work on the ‘Fukuzawa Crew’ again. One actor who was blacklisted was venting his frustration to those around him, saying, ‘What the hell is wrong with that guy!’” (Entertainment industry source)

On the other hand, he also has a tearful side; he has been seen breaking down in tears before anyone else during script readings.

This time, however, his power harassment was severe enough to cause a fracture. It’s the kind of incident that could easily have escalated into an assault case.

Plans for the film’s release

Furthermore, according to Bunshun, once TBS became aware of the situation, the disciplinary action initially communicated to Director Fukuzawa was a “one-day suspension.” At a regular press conference held on September 30, TBS President Masamine Ryuhō stated regarding Director Fukuzawa:

“We have imposed a strict disciplinary action in accordance with our employment regulations,”

However, he did not elaborate on the specifics of the disciplinary action, and it is reported that there are voices of discontent within the station.

Given this situation, an impact on the future of *VIVANT* is inevitable. The series was suspended for two weeks due to TBS’s live coverage of the “Asian Games: Aichi/Nagoya,” but broadcasting resumed on October 4 as the “second half.” A drama insider told this website,

“Actually, the original broadcast schedule had the second half resuming on October 11—one week later. However, they feared that a three-week hiatus would cause a sudden surge in viewers dropping off, so they managed to condense it into a two-week gap. While high ratings are the talk of the town, the production team isn’t celebrating at all.”

The tension persists because a theatrical film is scheduled to follow the series finale on November 8. The film is set to open on December 4.

“There’s a gap of more than three weeks between the finale and the movie’s release date, but during that time, a special ‘VIVANT’ program is scheduled to boost the movie’s promotion. It was Mr. Jai who requested that schedule from the network. The fact that it was approved so smoothly shows just how much influence he has within TBS,” said the same drama insider.

However, it remains unclear whether Director Fukuzawa will attend the special program or the film’s stage greetings. According to the source mentioned earlier,

“If it weren’t for the reports of power harassment, he would have appeared at both the special program and the stage greetings. The movie’s opening day, in particular, is the director’s moment in the spotlight, and it’s standard practice for him to give a speech. I’ve heard that this has been jeopardized by the series of power harassment reports,”

The director’s power harassment scandal is also taking its toll—like a body blow—on the overseas expansion of content, which TV networks are increasingly prioritizing.

“Other countries have stricter policies regarding harassment than Japan. If more victims come forward, we’ll have no choice but to reevaluate our overseas strategy,”

said a film industry insider. Director Fukuzawa is said to be deeply remorseful for having tarnished *VIVANT*, a project into which he poured his heart and soul, but now that it has become a national phenomenon, he will inevitably be held accountable at some point.