On February 24, during the shooting of the popular comedy improvisation show "The Iromonea Shock Battle!" which aired on TBS, the comedy duo Reiwa Roman unexpectedly withdrew partway through the recording. The decision to exit the show came after the duo learned of recent reports concerning their member, Kuruuma, which raised eyebrows among fans and the public alike.
Prior to the show, Kuruuma had been pressed by media scrutiny after reports surfaced on February 14, related to his alleged involvement with online gambling, leading to interrogation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Soon after, on February 15, Kuruuma posted a heartfelt apology on his YouTube channel, aiming to address the growing concerns.
Then, on February 19, TBS announced via social media, "Due to reports concerning Kuruuma, we have consulted with the duo's agency and decided to have Reiwa Roman withdraw from the recording midway. There was also the possibility of Kuruuma being seen during other challengers' performances."
This was immediately followed by Kuruuma announcing his temporary suspension from entertainment activities on his own X account.
Attention has also focused on the duo's quick response to the scandal, with comedian Norio Shin-Koshigaya commenting positively on their swift move to publish the apology video. Shin-Koshigaya noted, "Given the backdrop of several comedians being implicated with online casinos, Reiwa Roman’s quick release of their apology was actually quite the strategic move. By clearly stating their involvement timelines, they aimed to mitigate any perceived malice associated with the situation, presenting themselves primarily as sincere and remorseful. It felt much like ‘navigational prowess’ during the storm, which mirrors their participation style akin to the M-1 competition."
Their proactive stance matters, particularly as Kuruuma's personal issues were covered across multiple platforms. Reports by NEWS Post Seven on February 21 included allegations of infidelity against Kuruuma, creating more layers to the developing narrative surrounding Reiwa Roman.
Adding to the conversation were the substantial viewer reactions and social media chatter. Many expressed disappointment and sympathy, with users lamenting, "It’s heartbreaking to see them leave midway through the show." Others commented on the unexpectedness of the event, highlighting the viewers’ affinity for the duo's comedic style and tactics they employed on the show.
The news has led to numerous shifts across various television networks as programs featuring Kuruuma have faced abrupt cancellations or rerouting to maintain compliance and public image. Fans of Kuruuma have flooded online spaces expressing their admiration, with some taking the time to appreciate the resilience of all involved cast members, noting comments like, "Thank you, Netflix!" because Kuruuma appeared alongside Kyoko Koizumi as co-hosts for Netflix's new romantic reality series "Offline Love," just days prior to the announcement. Many fans saw this as their silver lining, noting the stark differences between broadcast and streaming compliance regulations which have often been labeled with more lenience compared to traditional network protocol.
"Offline Love" follows young adults over ten days who ditch all devices and rely purely on fate to find romance across exotic landscapes, which raised eyebrows across generations of viewers. Commentary emphasized the unusual yet effective pairing of veteran Koizumi with the rising star of Reiwa Roman, creating captivating engagement with audiences without heavily relying on established expectations.
Reflecting on the current predicament, Shin-Koshigaya pointed out, "The release just before Kuruuma's self-imposed hiatus has kept the essence of his character alive and well. Koizumi is absolute stalwart. The pairing is not just nostalgic; it is brilliant, as it bypasses the need for viewers to ponder on what their relationship resembles or means. Her stature only adds to the iconic weight behind the show, reinforcing Kuruuma's partnership there as something fresh against the challenges surrounding media today."
It is anticipated during this difficult time, Kuruuma and the Reiwa Roman duo may refine their appearances or re-strategize their presence within the industry as they navigate through this complex mesh of personal and public obligations.
The entertainment world is undeniably sensitive to compliance issues and potential scandals, and this incident highlights how quickly situations evolve and impact careers within the industry. Especially with Netflix standing out against traditional TV networks for its model freed from conventional sponsorship constraints.