Yoshimoto Kogyo Comedians Face Legal Trouble Over Gambling

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is set to send documents to prosecutors on April 3, 2025, concerning multiple comedians affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo, who are suspected of engaging in illegal gambling at overseas online casinos. This development follows an extensive investigation into allegations that these entertainers participated in online betting activities.

Among the individuals facing scrutiny are six male talents, including members of the popular comedy duo "Dai Baku" and other notable figures from the entertainment company. The police have indicated that these individuals accessed online casino sites via smartphones, placing bets on various games, including baccarat.

According to sources within the investigation, the six men, aged between 30 and 40, have been identified as Dai Yoshimoto (40), Nakamura Shun (31), Yuto Ohara (35), Hayate Sasamoto (33), Dai Tsuru (31), and Tsuyoshi Shoji (35). They are suspected of connecting to multiple overseas gambling websites, such as "Sportsbet.io," which is licensed by the government of Curacao, from Japan, thus violating Japanese gambling laws.

Reports indicate that one of the comedians allegedly wagered approximately 5.22 million yen (about $47,000) with a net loss of 1.22 million yen (around $11,000). The police believe that these activities occurred during downtime between television recordings and performances.

In response to these allegations, Yoshimoto Kogyo has been proactive in addressing the situation. The company announced in late February that it was conducting its own internal investigation, which included multiple hearings with the involved talents facilitated by external legal counsel. They have stated, "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and are committed to understanding the facts surrounding this issue."

The police had previously conducted voluntary questioning of several Yoshimoto Kogyo entertainers as part of their investigation into the online gambling allegations. Some comedians have publicly acknowledged their involvement in online betting, further complicating the situation.

This scandal is not isolated to the comedy world; it has broader implications for the entertainment industry in Japan. In February, it was revealed that several professional baseball players were also implicated in similar gambling activities, with a total of 16 players from eight teams being found to have used online casinos.

As a result of these revelations, the Japanese government has taken steps to address the growing concern over illegal online gambling. In March, they approved a new "Basic Plan for Promoting Measures Against Gambling Addiction," which aims to enhance awareness of the illegality of such activities and promote the exposure of payment processing companies that facilitate these transactions.

Despite the ongoing investigations and the potential legal ramifications for those involved, the entertainment company is working to mitigate the fallout. Yoshimoto Kogyo confirmed that its talents have been refraining from public performances and appearances while the investigations are underway, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.

The situation has sparked a wider conversation about gambling in Japan, where only specific forms of betting, such as horse racing and bicycle racing, are legal. Engaging in gambling activities through overseas online casinos is considered illegal, even if the sites operate legally in their respective jurisdictions.

As the investigation progresses, the public and fans of the comedians are left to ponder the implications of this scandal on the reputations of those involved and the broader entertainment landscape. The outcome of the police's findings and the subsequent legal actions could have lasting effects on Yoshimoto Kogyo and its affiliated talents.

In conclusion, the unfolding drama surrounding the Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians and their alleged involvement in online gambling highlights the precarious nature of celebrity in Japan, where public scrutiny can swiftly turn into scandal. As the Tokyo Metropolitan Police prepare to act, the entertainment world watches closely, waiting to see how this story will develop.