Celebs caught in gambling probe, Tokyo police investigate comedians

February 17, 2025

Celebs caught in gambling probe, Tokyo police investigate comedians

Several comedians affiliated with the prominent Japanese talent agency Yoshimoto Kogyo are under investigation by Tokyo police for alleged involvement in online casino gambling. The comedians have voluntarily participated in questioning, with authorities yet to determine whether criminal charges will be pursued or not.

This development comes as Kuruma Takahira, one half of the acclaimed comedy duo Reiwa Roman, publicly admitted to engaging in online gambling between late 2019 and late 2020.

In a statement on the duo’s YouTube channel, Takahira expressed remorse, stating, “I mistakenly thought it was not illegal.” Reiwa Roman rose to fame after securing consecutive victories in the prestigious M-1 Grand Prix stand-up comedy competition in 2023 and 2024, positioning them among Japan’s most celebrated comedic acts.

Talent firm launches internal probe

In response to these developments, Yoshimoto Kogyo issued a statement on 5 February 2025, acknowledging that certain performers were suspected of breaching the company’s compliance policies. The agency has initiated an internal investigation, enlisting external legal experts to ascertain the facts. Consequently, the implicated performers have been suspended from all activities pending the outcome of this inquiry.

This incident is part of a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling in Japan. In January 2025, Koki Niwa, a two-time Olympic men’s table tennis medallist, was referred to prosecutors over allegations of online casino gambling during the summer of 2023.

As a result, Niwa’s club contract was subsequently terminated, and the Japan Table Tennis Association also commenced interviews with athletes and staff to identify any similar infractions within the sport.

Despite explicit legal prohibitions, online gambling continues to proliferate in Japan. The National Police Agency has reiterated that participation in online casinos is illegal, even when such platforms operate legally overseas.

Big-names implicated in gambling scandal

In 2024, legal actions were initiated against 279 individuals for engaging in online gambling, many of whom were unaware of its illegality. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years.

The entertainment industry has not been immune to such controversies. Even in 2019, Yoshimoto Kogyo faced a major scandal when several comedians were found to have attended events hosted by anti-social groups, leading to suspensions and a public outcry. The current allegations further challenge the agency’s reputation and highlight the pervasive issue of illegal gambling within Japan’s entertainment sector.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are contemplating stricter enforcement measures and enhanced public awareness campaigns to deter illegal online gambling. The involvement of high-profile figures in such activities has amplified the urgency to address this issue comprehensively.