Musician GACKT, known for his extravagant performances, surprised audiences during his appearance on the Nippon Television music program ‘with MUSIC’ on December 21 by sharing his past ban from NHK and the humorous circumstances surrounding it.
GACKT, who’s been widely recognized for his bold stage productions, including riding horseback at full gallop during his concert at the Tokyo Dome, revealed how his excitement and energy sometimes got the best of him. He shared, "But at the time, I was banned from NHK," quipping about the incident. Former NHK announcer Yumiko Udo, who was hosting alongside him, was taken aback and asked, "What happened?"
It turns out the ban stemmed from GACKT's antics during his prior appearances on NHK television. "I broke things backstage," he admitted, laughing off the serious tone his past actions could imply. Although such behavior could have serious repercussions for most, GACKT's charisma and talent were too compelling to overlook.
Interestingly, this mischief didn’t stop him from receiving offers from NHK. GACKT mentioned how he received offers to appear as Uesugi Kenshin, the iconic warlord, for the 2007 NHK period drama ‘Furin Kazan’—a fact he humorously highlighted by asking, “I’m banned, though?” when the staff approached him about the role. Surprisingly, he was granted permission as it was for drama rather than music shows.
Udo's playful comments added flair to the discussion. She quipped, "It seems to be okay since it's drama," pondering aloud whether the ban was relegated to music programming, hence allowing for GACKT’s return to NHK.
This delightful story showcases not only GACKT's flamboyant persona but also the dichotomy of the entertainment industry where rules can sometimes bend for the sake of talent and the spectacle. His return to NHK, albeit marked by past risks, emphasizes the power of fanfare and charismatic personalities like GACKT's to navigate the tricky waters of show business.
Overall, GACKT's story is not just about breaking things; it’s about the ability to rebound and engage with his audience through humor, creativity, and memorable performances—qualities he has consistently displayed throughout his career.