Yoshimoto withdraws punishments for scandal-hit comedians

July 22, 2019

Tokyo--Akihiko Okamoto, president of Japanese entertainment company Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., said Monday that his company will withdraw its punishments for some of its comedians who received money for appearing at an event for an antisocial group.

The comedians in question include Hiroyuki Miyasako, a member of popular comedy duo Ameagari Kesshitai, whose contract was terminated by the Osaka-based company last week over the scandal.

At a press conference, Okamoto also said he and Yoshimoto Kogyo Chairman Hiroshi Osaki will return 50 pct of their salaries for one year to accept responsibility for the scandal.

The development came after Miyasako and Ryo Tamura of comedy duo London Boots Ichi-go Ni-go, who has been suspended, held a press conference on Saturday and offered an apology to fans and others for performing at the antisocial group's event in exchange for money without consulting with Yoshimoto Kogyo.

At the press conference, Miyasako, 49, and Tamura, 47, expressed distrust for Yoshimoto Kogyo, saying that they had been told by the company not to hold a press conference about the scandal.

At Monday's press conference, Okamoto said he is sorry for causing hardship for the two comedians. "We'll offer maximum support if they want to come back (to the company)," he said.

At Saturday's press conference, Miyasako also claimed that he had been told by Okamoto that all the comedians involved would be fired if he met the press about the scandal.

Referring to the claim, Okamoto said Monday that he had become emotional due to lack of smooth progress in his talks with the two comedians, adding that he has regrets over the issue.

Okamoto said Yoshimoto Kogyo plans to open a hotline for its comedians to seek advice at any time, to prevent them becoming involved in antisocial groups. The company is also preparing a memorandum on legal compliance for its employees and comedians.

In late June, Yoshimoto Kogyo suspended 11 comedians, including Miyasako and Tamura, for taking part in the event without the approval of the company. The company announced on July 13 that Miyasako and Tamura had received one million yen and 500,000 yen, respectively, from the group. Jiji Press