Masuda Talks Awkward Moments With Senior Hiroshi Nagano

On March 26, 2025, NEWS's Takahisa Masuda made an appearance on Fuji TV's 'Pokapoka', where he discussed a rather awkward encounter with his senior colleague from 20th Century, Hiroshi Nagano. During the segment called 'Poi Poi Talk', Masuda introduced Nagano as a 'difficult senior', explaining a previous incident that caused some tension between them.

Masuda revealed that Nagano is a culinary enthusiast, known for visiting around 500 new restaurants each year, showcasing his expertise and love for food. Recalling a positive experience, Masuda talked about a restaurant where Nagano took him that offered delicious rice dishes. This restaurant, he noted, had multiple types of rice cooked in clay pots while providing a variety of side dishes to complement the meals.

However, things turned a bit sour when Masuda decided to share his experience on television. He recounted a slightly fabricated story about being taken to a rice comparison restaurant by Nagano, claiming he didn't manage to appreciate the different types of rice offered, mainly enjoying the fried chicken instead. Masuda thought it would be a funny anecdote, but it backfired when Nagano saw the show.

Masuda later received a message from Nagano saying, “I saw you talking about me on TV,” and he confessed to feeling regretful ever since. He speculated that Nagano might have been quite upset, hinting, “I probably angered him.” This candid admission shed light on the delicate nature of their relationship, revealing how easily misunderstandings could lead to uncomfortable situations.

In response to Masuda's concern about Nagano's mood, a message from Nagano was read aloud during the broadcast, clarifying that he wasn't inviting Masuda for meals due to a tight schedule, and not because he was upset. Nagano explained, “I rarely invite juniors to meals privately, and even without that incident, I would not have called him for a meal. Masuda-kun is a valuable junior, having shared a meal with me.” This heartfelt acknowledgment seemed to clear up the air, as it reassured Masuda that there were no hard feelings.

Throughout the discussion, Masuda displayed a mix of embarrassment and relief when learning the truth about their interaction. The realization that Nagano's silence was due to scheduling conflicts rather than anger helped ease his worries.

Adding to the day's revelations, Masuda also shared another emotional moment regarding a junior artist, Genta Matsuda from Travis Japan. He introduced Matsuda as an exceptionally talented dancer, recalling an incident that moved him during a live performance.

During the May 2025 event titled 'WE ARE! Let’s get the party STARTO!', Matsuda had to unexpectedly cover for fellow performer Ren Nagase, who was unable to participate due to an ear injury. Matsuda stepped in and performed King & Prince's song 'moooove!!!' with Kaito Takahashi. Masuda admitted, “I cried when I watched him dance to Kinpuri's song,” highlighting how moved he was by Matsuda's skills and stage presence.

Masuda described Matsuda as a 'talent-filled person' and expressed admiration for his quick learning ability and remarkable dance skills. He emphasized how, despite Matsuda’s appearance as a bit quirky, he transformed into a different person when dancing, showcasing his full energy and passion on stage.

In a light-hearted moment, while Matsuda appeared in a video message during the show, he humorously pointed out that Masuda is often seen without much disguise in public. He jested, “I wonder if you actually want to be recognized? It’s like you're going to a bar!” This banter not only elicited laughter but also indicated the close-knit relationships among these entertainers.

This engaging episode of 'Pokapoka' highlighted not only the camaraderie and complexities among the members of the entertainment industry but also served as a reminder of the emotions tied to performance and friendship. With Masuda's candid reflections and humorous exchanges, viewers were treated to a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of these entertainers, emphasizing the balance between professionalism and personal connections.