GACKT defends comedian Egashira in light of his behaviour towards Nagano Mei: "I don't understand why people these days are so sensitive".

Musician GACKT commented on social media about the controversy surrounding comedian Egashira 2:50’s behavior on All-Star Kanshasai 2025 Spring. During the show, Egashira engaged in actions perceived as harassment towards actress Mei Nagano, leading to criticism. He later apologized on YouTube, explaining that his intent was to entertain.

GACKT questioned why viewers reacted so sensitively, arguing that Egashira’s style has always been the same, and both co-stars and the TV network were aware of it. He pointed out that different participants react differently in variety shows and criticized the public for seeking someone to blame.

Reflecting on past trends, GACKT suggested that social stress leads people to attack celebrities, arguing that those who dislike variety shows should simply not watch them. He emphasized the importance of humor and tolerance in human relationships, warning that excessive criticism could lead to a media landscape dominated by heavy news.

His post sparked mixed reactions—some agreed that society needs more humor and tolerance, while others criticized the idea that longstanding comedic styles should justify inappropriate behavior.

Source: Yahoo News 

Comments:

1. GACKT is absolutely right. Egashira’s comedy is all about intense and eccentric performances. That underwater gag? The network must have specifically chosen him for it because it’s his style. I watched part of the show, and honestly, I just want to tell people to stop making such a fuss over it. GACKT is right—if you don’t like it, just watch the news instead. Everyone in the studio, including the director and the staff, was expecting Egashira’s usual performance. 

2. GACKT is absolutely right. Egashira has always had that style of comedy, and both the TV network and the other performers knew that. I’m sure they expected this outcome. Even Nagano herself said she was just surprised—so blaming someone or trying to assign responsibility is pointless.

People say TV has become boring, but it’s not because of compliance issues; it’s because networks pay too much attention to a small fraction of online opinions. It’s a variety show—shouldn’t we be a little more tolerant?

3. I only saw a short clip of Mei Nagano turning her back and running away, but from what I understand, she was just surprised and ended up crying—not because she had anything against Egashira. She even said that if people still want to make a fuss about it, they can do so on their own.

I’ve also heard that, despite Egashira’s perverted comedic style, he’s actually a good person. In contrast, the ones who pretend to be gentlemen in public but make women cry behind the scenes are the real problem. And those types never think they’re in the wrong or apologize.

I haven’t watched much variety TV in recent years, but when I did, I sometimes found it entertaining. The fact that there’s so much criticism means a lot of people felt uncomfortable with it. Even Egashira seems to acknowledge he went too far, and some women found it unacceptable or unpleasant. So, I guess this just becomes something to reflect on for the future.

4. Variety shows used to be for people who wanted to enjoy positive energy, but now they’re becoming entertainment for those who thrive on negativity.

Maybe TV networks should decide whether they’re making shows for a negative-minded audience or a positive-minded one. If they keep trying to cater to both, they might end up pleasing no one.

5. While some viewers enjoy Egashira’s style of comedy, others may find it unpleasant. But it’s also possible that some people are just looking for someone to criticize, and this time, Egashira became their target. There are people who attack others no matter the reason—just like how Gian bullies Nobita in Doraemon without needing an excuse.

Egashira’s comedic style is well-known, so why are viewers suddenly condemning him? Has he always been criticized like this? Even though compliance rules have become stricter and expressions are more restricted, if the performers, the TV station, and Egashira himself are all in agreement, isn’t that enough? If viewers don’t like it, they can simply change the channel. There’s no rule that says variety shows have to please everyone. Outsiders have no reason to interfere.

6. Egashira’s comedic style—there are times when I question if it’s appropriate for the situation, but there are also moments where I admire his actions and think he’s an impressive person. However, there are moments when it’s funny and moments when it’s not. Sometimes, I watch and think, No, please don’t do that here… But isn’t that just a normal reaction?

The problem is that it has become way too easy for viewers to directly send their criticisms to the performers and production teams. This must make things much harder for those involved. Gackt is probably also fed up with how much louder and more restrictive public criticism has become compared to before.

7. Trying to apply old ways of thinking doesn’t work because the world has changed. It has been confirmed by those involved that there was no script, and that’s undeniable. In fictional dramas, murder can be allowed. However, if there’s a script or pre-planning in a variety show, harassment would be allowed. If not, then that would be public harassment. There are already laws in place, and it’s a criminal act. It’s not behavior that should be excused.

8. It’s a set pattern: Egashira goes off track, others try to stop him, the host apologizes, and later, the TV station gets criticized. An Egashira who doesn’t go wild is like Mito Koumon without his emblem. If you’re not one of the people clapping and waiting for it, just change the channel.

9. The TV station, production company, and Egashira probably all knew this would happen, and they might even be doing it intentionally. They’re probably already prepared for TVer cuts. There’s no way they’d waste Egashira by having him appear calmly and quietly.

10. This isn’t something that just started recently, but in the past, viewers’ voices didn’t come to the surface. Now, with social media and other platforms, viewers are able to share their opinions, which has made it more visible. On top of that, there’s also been a shift in awareness and changes in societal values.

11. At first glance, this may seem like a reasonable view, but given the nature of his comedy, it’s clear that it should depend on the time and situation. It’s obvious that this type of content shouldn’t be aired during family-friendly time slots. One must also consider that young children might be watching. For example, what if a child were to mimic the underwater cola stunt and a serious accident occurred?