Shinsuke Shimada

Shinsuke Shimada snaps during live show

The incident happened during the TBS quiz show “All Star Kanshasai” while the famed Cirque du Soleil was performing their acrobatics. The camera was showing some of the cast sitting in the darkened tiered platform, which also happened to capture TV crews restraining comedian and show host Shinsuke Shimada who appeared to be in a rage. The program website was flooded with inquiries from TV viewers.

The 5-hour quiz show is aired live twice a year, with 200 comedians, actors, etc, from the entertainment industry to participate and promote new programs beginning in the fall and spring seasons. It was about 3 hours into the show, while Cirque du Soleil was presenting their “human tower” act when Shimada stood up and was heard to shout, “What’s up with you guys?” at a young comedic trio named Tokyo 03, winner of a recent TBS comedy tournament.

According to one source, staff hesitated to take any action in case it would worsen the situation and were relieved to see Shimada return to the space for the program host. In a split moment, though, Shimada turned around again and scrambled up the tiers toward the trio. The moment he grabbed one of them by the collar, some crew members rushed to hold him back – a scene that ended up being aired live on TV.

By the end of the acrobatics, Shimada had returned to his position and continued on with the show as though nothing had happened, while the paled trio Tokyo 03 kept their heads low.

What caused Shimada to snap during a live show? One crew member mentioned that the trio had failed to pay their respects to Shimada prior to the show, but another seasoned comedian who was also present explained that “too many of the younger comedians, including Tokyo 03, are downright rude and it’s unacceptable. It’s routine for the camera to show the expressions of the participants positioned on the tiers from time to time, but these youngsters sit there looking bored with chin in their hands, talk among themselves and start goofing off during commercial breaks. I think Shimada was angry at them for their unprofessional behavior.”

This lack of professional courtesy seems to be common. Some don’t bother introducing themselves to their senior comedians, make rude statements during filming, or show up late at the workplace.

Shimada has a reputation as a role model for young comedians, taking care and giving guidance both at the professional and personal level. Those he has taken under his wings, such as Suzanne, Shuchishin and Aki Hoshino, have become popular figures on TV. As such, it is a golden rule for starlets and newbies in the entertainment business to show appropriate courtesy to the “big boss.”

The shamed agency managing Tokyo 03 expressed their understanding of the incident as a problem about professional behavior and etiquette. After the show, the trio went to Shimada and apologized profusely. Apparently the big boss chastised the youngsters, and lectured them on the dos and don’ts of the business.

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Latest 15 of 57 Total Comments Show All

kinniku at 03:50 PM JST - 15th October

While Shimada is a former rough guy, he is actually pretty interesting and fun to watch. That is why he is so popular. Amongst the talking heads, he tends to hit (no pun intended ;-) things spot on more often than not and does so in an entertaining and fun way. I think more of you need to give him more of a chance when you are watching TV.

As to this instance, expecting paid guests of a show to act correctly is not really all that unusual. These three comedians knew why they were there and it wasn't to hang out and do whatever they wanted. Try acting inappropriately at any workplace and you will probably find your bossed brassed off at you too.
temporaryVisa at 07:52 PM JST - 15th October

I wish people would just stop pretending Cirque du Soleil is entertaining.
InTheKnow at 09:09 AM JST - 16th October

I wish people would just stop pretending Cirque du Soleil is entertaining.

I hear ya, man. Watching about 5 minutes of the best of the show's highlights is enough for me. Now pole dancing-- that's entertainment.
scotchegg at 12:12 PM JST - 16th October

While Shimada is a former rough guy, he is actually pretty interesting and fun to watch. That is why he is so popular. Amongst the talking heads, he tends to hit (no pun intended ;-) things spot on more often than not and does so in an entertaining and fun way. I think more of you need to give him more of a chance when you are watching TV.

He is only popular with the middle-aged. Their purchasing power is the target of the advertisers, so the networks indulge him. If, by he tends to hit things spot on you mean that when he calls someone stupid or fat they really are stupid or fat, then you may like to consider what you find entertainment.
aintgottimetobl at 12:33 PM JST - 16th October

'He is only popular with the middle-aged.' No he isnt,kids love 'hexagon'and his forthrightness is usually much broader than that...so I really doubt you've watched enough of his programs to comment
scoobydoo at 01:08 PM JST - 16th October

Maybe the trio were actually funny and thus not in line with the rest of the comedians and needed to be corrected. (probably not)
kinniku at 01:08 PM JST - 16th October

aintgottimetobl,

Actually. The man is quite popular in general and it is certainly not because he calls someone stupid of fat. I have been often quite impressed with his social commentary. He is also good with a quick turn of phrase.
kinniku at 01:09 PM JST - 16th October

aintgottimetobl,

Sorry. That should have been:

Exactly, The man is quite popular in general and it is certainly not because he calls someone stupid of fat. I have been often quite impressed with his social commentary. He is also good with a quick turn of phrase.
kinniku at 01:10 PM JST - 16th October

Maybe the trio were actually funny and thus not in line with the rest of the comedians and needed to be corrected.

Doesn't sound like it though. It sounds like they were goofing off.
scotchegg at 02:19 PM JST - 16th October

He is only popular with the middle-aged.' No he isnt,kids love 'hexagon'and his forthrightness is usually much broader than that...so I really doubt you've watched enough of his programs to comment

Rot. Kids love the "talents" that are paraded before him to be the butt of his rudeness. How many kids have you seen with Shimada merchandise? And if you count his mantra "本当にバカだね、お前” as "forthrightness", just what do you consider rudeness?

As for shrewd social commentator, the odd observation that politicians should do better does not a pundit make. Next time Hexagon, or that other programme he hosts where people decide if an anecdote is interesting or not comes on, I urge you to count how many insults he throws (fat, stupid, career going down the pan, one trick pony etc.). Quite a grotty little man, and if you look at the responses to this incident on youtube, it seems many Japanese also think so.
Jizzeez at 02:27 PM JST - 16th October

This guy snaps and slaps all the time. He desperately needs a good kicking!
rei307 at 02:48 PM JST - 16th October

He needs to get over himself and realize that RESPECT goes both ways.
aintgottimetobl at 04:54 PM JST - 16th October

so you need to buy something with 'shinsuke' on it to prove you're a fan ?? if the parents thought he was a 'grott' would their kids be allowed to watch ?everybody calls each other 'baka' it's almost a term of endearment (in some situations). Shinsuke's not the be end and end all,but hes not as bad as most are making him out.
kinniku at 10:50 PM JST - 16th October

aintgottimetobl,

Again, I agree.
LostinNagoya at 07:34 AM JST - 19th October

He hammered down these 3 poor nails who dared to stick out, live on TV. Talk about not having personality, or not being allowed to. Sad.