Yoshimoto Kogyo controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2019
Anti-social-group payment scandal
Several comedians associated with Yoshimoto admitted accepting money and attending parties connected with organized crime groups in 2014. Eleven entertainers were suspended, Shinya Irie was dismissed for arranging appearances without permission, and senior management apologized after acknowledging that the company had pressured performers to remain silent. Some contracts were later reinstated and the suspended performers returned to activity. Several comedians associated with Yoshimoto admitted accepting money and attending parties connected with organized crime groups in 2014. Eleven entertainers were suspended, Shinya Irie was dismissed for arranging appearances without permission, and senior management apologized after acknowledging that the company had pressured performers to remain silent. President and CEO Akihiko Okamoto and chairman Hiroshi Osaki announced one-year 50 percent pay reductions, and some contracts were later reinstated, including those of Hiroyuki Miyasako and Ryo Tamura. The suspended performers returned to activity on August 19, 2019.
2019
Comedians’ payments and appearances involving antisocial groups
Several Yoshimoto-associated comedians admitted receiving money and attending parties held by organized crime figures in 2014 without company authorization. Eleven performers were suspended, and Shinya Irie was dismissed for arranging appearances. Company leaders acknowledged that the organization had learned of the connection but had pressured performers to stay silent. The president and chairman apologized, announced pay reductions, and moved to restore certain contracts.