Higashiyama Yoki is known not only for his status as one of Japan's celebrated entertainers but also for his candid discussions on the darker side of gambling. On the December 22 episode of the popular Kansai television show "Marco Polo!", he shed light on his past experiences with gambling addiction, sharing impactful stories and advice aimed at younger entertainers grappling with similar issues.
During the show, Hiroshi Higashiyama (the comedian and TV personality) joined Higashiyama Yoki as they tackled various problems posed by guests. Among them was Olympic table tennis gold medalist Mizutani Jun, who opened up about his struggles with investing and losses incurred over the years.
Mizutani revealed, "I started out seven years ago when I was playing in the Russian league out of mere curiosity, and I’ve continued to lose ever since. The total loss is enough to buy a house in Tokyo!" His confession mirrored many entertainers' experiences with the allure and risks of betting, as he expressed hesitation to quit out of the desire to recover what he had lost.
Higashiyama Yoki did not hold back when responding to Mizutani's situation. He declared, "That’s not the mindset of an investor. It’s the kind of thinking you’d expect from someone who picks up losing lottery tickets at the racing course. They'd say, ‘I’m saving money on the water here at Heiwajima!’" This blunt yet humorous take opened up the discussion about perception behind gambling, exposing how easily one could fall victim to the thrill.
Throughout the show, Higashiyama shared moments of past addiction, including staggering losses. He confessed, "I've lost almost 100 million yen (about 900,000 USD) on gambling in just one day. I thought to myself, ‘I shouldn’t be alive.’" His admission drew gasps from the audience and guests alike; it was not just about the money lost but the life lessons learned through those struggles.
He elaborated on the importance of hitting rock bottom before making true changes, stating, "If you think you’re making normal decisions, you’ll keep losing. You need to hit rock bottom to understand the value of money." This statement resonates not only with those struggling with gambling addiction but also serves as guidance for many facing financial hardships.
Another impactful moment came when Higashiyama remarked, "When you’re still laughing, you really don’t understand anything." This comment highlighted the facade many put on to cover their struggles, particularly within the entertainment business where public perception can often overshadow personal turmoil.
His straightforwardness creates a relatable narrative for many struggling behind the scenes. Coupled with humor, Higashiyama invited viewers to reconsider their views on addiction, along with the culture surrounding gambling, especially among entertainers.
For Mizutani, this conversation turned introspective, as he pondered, "I’m not at the level Yoki has described, so maybe I’m still capable of making rational judgments?" To this, Higashiyama replied, "No, it's because you think you're making rational decisions; that's why you keep losing. You have to lose everything and face harsh realities to grasp the value of money. That’s when change can happen."
By sharing their experiences and thoughts on gambling culture, both Higashiyama Yoki and the guests encouraged necessary conversations around addiction and the financial pressures faced by entertainers.
Higashiyama concluded with the notion of responsibility entertainers bear, insisting on the importance of addressing personal struggles publicly, which might encourage others who face similar challenges to seek help.
Overall, the episode not only entertained but also educated viewers on the severity of addiction, providing valuable insights from celebrities who've navigated the complex emotions surrounding gambling. Their narratives serve as reminders of the darker sides of fame, providing hope and perspective on how to confront addiction and financial mismanagement.
