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Read Full BioKenta Yamamoto, a leading Japanese TV presenter, has issued a public apology for using online casinos amid a nationwide crackdown on illegal betting.
Yamamoto is the latest in an increasingly long list of Japanese entertainment stars, comedians, singers, and pro sports players to admit to using online gambling services.
The presenter, who is contracted to the broadcasting giant Fuji TV, abruptly vanished from Japanese screens on May 28.
Japanese TV Presenter: ‘Words Can’t Express My Regret’
Fuji TV initially did not comment on Yamamoto’s sudden disappearance from a popular talk show.
However, according to reports from the Tokyo-based newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun and the news outlet JPrime, the firm broke its silence after three weeks.
The broadcaster said: “It has come to light that one of our employees, Kenta Yamamoto, has used online casinos in the past. When suspicions arose, as a company, we made the decision to suspend him. We will continue to consult with the relevant agencies to confirm the facts. We will also take strict action in accordance with our employee regulations.”
The company also apologized to its viewers. It said it would strive to prevent further cases. It wrote: “We feel it necessary to make this clear once again: Online casinos are illegal.”
Yamamoto issued his statement, writing: “I deeply regret my behavior. It was extremely inappropriate for someone like me, in a position to convey information to the public. My own poor judgment has resulted in damaging trust. I feel regret and shame that cannot be expressed in words. I will show more discipline in the future to ensure I do not repeat this mistake.”
Scandal Fallout Deepens?
Fuji TV has spent much of the year reeling from the fallout of a scandal centered around Masahiro Nakai, a former pop singer and Fuji TV star.
Nakai is accused of sexually assaulting an unnamed woman in her twenties in June 2023. However, Fuji TV officials allegedly discovered evidence of the assault shortly after, and reportedly tried to cover it up.
The ensuing controversy led to the resignation of Fuji TV President Koichi Minato and Chairman Shuji Kanoh from the company.
JPrime quoted an unnamed Japanese media expert as saying: “The fact that the Yamamoto incident broke at the same time as the Nakai issue has raised questions about Fuji TV’s management system. There will be an annual general meeting of shareholders on June 25. It appears that the issue will be discussed in terms of how the broadcaster can enhance its governance and transparency. If online casinos are mentioned in detail there, it may be possible that all Fuju TV employees will be investigated.”
Yamamoto, a former baseball player, joined Fuji TV after graduating from university. He has hosted and appeared on scores of hit shows on the channel. He has also made a name for himself as a part-time bodybuilder.
Police Reportedly Spoke to TV Star
JPrime also explained that internet users had been asking questions about Yamamoto after noticing that the presenter had been edited out of recent TV show promotional photos.
The same media outlet added that it had information that Yamamoto had been questioned by the police over his betting activities.
Earlier this month, Japanese lawmakers approved a bill proposing more brutal punishment for individuals found guilty of using, operating, or promoting online casinos.
This bill will soon grant courts the power to fine residents who use online casinos up to $3,500. Repeat offenders will face a maximum of three years in jail.
Police officials think that at least 70% of the Japanese-language online casinos that target domestic bettors are based in the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao.
