On February 1, 2025, former House of Representatives member and businessman Taizo Sugimura made headlines when he appeared on Yomiuri Television’s "Imada Koji no Netabare MTG." During the broadcast, he confronted special commentator Tatsuya Takaoka about his approach to discussing Fuji Television's recent press coverage of the MTG Netflix program.
The episode involved analysis of Fuji Television’s two-part press conference, which extended over ten hours and sparked widespread discussion among viewers and critics alike. Lineup Maho Hayashi, the show’s anchor, posed the question of whether Fuji Television Chairman Hiromi Hieda might be responsible for shaping the company’s corporate culture, particularly during this time of upheaval. “Maybe Hieda is the one who built the corporate culture,” Hayashi speculated.
Responding to this, Takaoka pushed back against Hayashi’s proposition, stating, “It’s unclear if the corporate culture led to this incident. If Hieda established the culture, what does it really entail? Can this culture be demonstrated in the ten-hour press conference?” Takaoka’s tone reflected his frustration about the topic, creating palpable tension within the studio.
The atmosphere became even more charged as Sugimura interjected, humorously advising Takaoka to lower his voice. This outburst lightened the mood, with both the studio audience and the show’s host, Koji Imada, laughing at the exchange. Sugimura called Takaoka's approach overly authoritative, saying, “It’s unnecessary to be so high-handed.” Imada expressed gratitude to Sugimura, remarking, “That was scary, but thank you!”
Later, Sugimura lent support to anchor Hayashi, commending her for bravely enhancing the conversation by sticking to her line of questioning against Takaoka's intense demeanor. “You, as a media person, are the real asset! That was very courageous,” he encouraged Hayashi.
Following this spirited discussion, Takaoka, noting the chaos from his earlier remarks, humorously remarked to Hayashi, “Let’s talk later,” to which Sugimura playfully rebuked him, declaring, “That's the worst thing to say!”
Takaoka also shared his criticisms surrounding the recent Fuji Television press fiasco, particularly about the conduct of both the reporters and the executives present. He highlighted the shift from the closed session held earlier, which drew criticism, to the fully open conference held on January 27, where emotions ran high. “Too many people came with the arrogant notion of making apologies,” Takaoka asserted. He expressed concern about how the press had conducted itself, stating, “It seems like they think they can say anything. But how questions are posed are also being seen by everyone,” implying the behavior of the press undermined their credibility.
Further emphasizing his perspective, Takaoka noted, “Before you ask questions, you should be human first. Basic politeness should be mandatory. To shout is to disqualify oneself as a journalist,” he admonished, creating yet another moment of intensity within the program.
The lively exchanges during the broadcast not only provided insight but reflected the underlying tensions within the media environment surrounding Fuji Television, particularly as the organization faces scrutiny. The feedback from public figures like Sugimura and Takaoka echoes the increasing demand for accountability within media practices, especially as they continue to cover sensitive topics involving corporate behavior and ethics.
Sugimura’s remarks encapsulated the sentiment of many viewers who crave respectful and constructive dialogue. His willingness to step forward added significant weight to the discussion, demonstrating the need for introspection within both corporate and media landscapes.
This incident invites broader commentary on the current state of media and corporate interactions, raising questions about how coverage is shaped and the responsibilities of those involved at all levels.
For audiences, such moments on live television serve not only as entertainment but as informative platforms shedding light on pressing issues—revealing patterns of behavior and responses within the media sphere. The dynamic discussion between the panelists is sure to resonate as similar corporate communication events continue to arise.
Overall, the episode highlighted both the drama of live television and the serious nature of media responsibility. It has encouraged discussions beyond the studio, as viewers reflect on the role of corporate entities and the media's duty to report with integrity and humanity.