A Japanese comedian and television host has quit show business over revelations of close ties with a senior yakuza gangster, amid an intensifying government drive to stamp out organised crime.
Shinsuke Shimada, 55, retired from the entertainment industry after it emerged he had exchanged text messages with a gang member, his agency said on its website. “These exchanges indicated a certain amo-unt of closeness between them,” said Yoshimoto Kogyo Co. “Such activity involving a personality on TV or in other media which have a great social impact cannot be condoned for any reason.”
The sharp-tongued comedian hosted six popular TV shows every week, including a programme to rate privately treasured antiques. His exit has shocked the television industry, although there is a long history of rumours connecting Japanese mobsters with entertainers. At a news conference late Tuesday, Shimada admitted he had known the unnamed gangster since being saved from unspecified “personal trouble” more than 10 years ago.
“We have met in person just four or five times as we were aware that entertainers and crime syndicate members should not mix,” Shimada said. He said he had not paid the yakuza for his help in solving the trouble wh-ich came after he was intimidated by another gang.