In a recent episode of the popular variety show "Shikujiri Sensei," talent Junichi Ishida opened up about the backlash he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how the fallout affected not only his career but also his family. Ishida, who appeared on the show for the second time in ten years, recounted the tumultuous events of 2020 when he was criticized for his actions during the "stay home" period.
During this time, Ishida was reported in a weekly magazine for allegedly contracting the coronavirus after engaging in golf and drinking activities in Okinawa. Although he clarified that his trip was for business rather than leisure, the public response was overwhelmingly negative, especially since the Okinawa prefectural governor had urged residents to refrain from visiting the area. This led to significant backlash against Ishida, who found himself in a career crisis.
As a result of the uproar, Ishida's golf program faced a barrage of complaints, ultimately leading to the suspension of its broadcasts. He described this period as a "huge crisis" in his career, with work opportunities dwindling rapidly. However, the repercussions extended beyond his professional life; his family also bore the brunt of the public outrage.
"My father-in-law, Osamu Higashio, scolded me, saying, 'You've caused a decrease in my work,'" Ishida recounted, reflecting on the strain the incident placed on his relationships. He expressed his remorse, stating, "I was just bowing my head and saying, 'I'm sorry' repeatedly." This sentiment of regret was echoed in his relationship with his wife, Riko Higashio, who was both astonished and angry at his actions. Ishida revealed that she admonished him with phrases like, "Enough already," and "Don't go out," emphasizing the impact his choices had on their family.
Despite the challenges he faced, Ishida took the opportunity to reflect on his past mistakes during the show, offering insights into the lessons he learned from the experience. He acknowledged the burden his actions placed on his loved ones and reiterated his apologies, stating, "I truly regret causing trouble for my family."
Meanwhile, in another segment of the entertainment world, the Fuji TV variety show "Quiz! Hexagon II" aired its sixth installment of the "400m Crawl Survival Race" on April 13, 2025. This episode showcased a high level of athleticism among participants, with all contestants racing 400 meters simultaneously, where only the last-place finisher would be eliminated.
The competition was fierce, with regular participant Kenji Mori unexpectedly eliminated in the second race. Mori later commented on the criticism he faced online for his coaching style during the previous event, where he was accused of bullying and being out of touch with newer contestants. He admitted, "I really didn't want to make enemies with Rinya Kosaka's fans," revealing the pressures celebrities face in the public eye.
Watari 119, the previous tournament champion, aimed for consecutive victories with rigorous training alongside the university track team. Competing against him was former Japan national soccer team player Yoichi Kakitani, who retired in January 2025. Kakitani's goal was to dethrone Watari and prove his own athletic prowess.
From the baseball world, Taiji Ota, who can sprint 50 meters in just six seconds, made his debut in the competition. Yuji Kaneko, a two-time stolen base king, also participated, focusing on improving his endurance after a close battle in the previous broadcast's 4x200m relay.
Taisei Chon, who finished second to Watari in the last tournament, was determined to strengthen his physique for a rematch. Fumiya Sano of OWV, who specialized in long-distance running during his school years, expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "I usually run ten 400m sprints with only 60 seconds of rest, so shorter breaks suit me better." He aimed for a victory for the idol community.
Rinya Kosaka (B&ZAI) also joined the race, with Mori jokingly following her, hoping to get screen time. In a humorous twist, Mori attempted to impart questionable advice to Kosaka, which added a light-hearted element to the competitive atmosphere.
Additionally, Obata's older brother aimed to reclaim his title, having previously achieved impressive results. Ishibashi Ryota (Yontoryu) brought his culinary skills into the mix, preparing dishes like garlic shrimp to enhance his performance.
The challengers in this thrilling race included Watari 119, Yoichi Kakitani, Rinya Kosaka, Yamaman, Ishibashi Ryota, Kenji Mori, Obata's older brother, Taisei Chon, Yuji Kaneko, Fumiya Sano, and Taiji Ota. The excitement surrounding this event captivated audiences, showcasing the blend of athleticism and entertainment that defines Japanese variety shows.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, both Ishida's candid reflections and the competitive spirit displayed in the "400m Crawl Survival Race" highlight the complexities of fame and the resilience required to navigate public scrutiny. Whether facing personal challenges or competing in high-stakes races, these figures remind us of the human experiences behind the spotlight.
