Jul 23 (Japan Today) - Bowing and at times teary, the president of Japanese entertainment powerhouse Yoshimoto Kogyo Co said Monday he wants to withdraw punishment of two popular comedians over their paid appearance at a party for a group of swindlers and apologized to them for mishandling the aftermath.
Akihiko Okamoto said at a more than five-hour-long press conference in Tokyo he had "caused pain" to Hiroyuki Miyasako and Ryo Tamura by not listening to their concerns, and that he hoped they would come back.
Miyasako, 49, and Tamura, 47, alleged in a joint press conference Saturday that Okamoto had threatened to fire a group of comedians who received remuneration for entertaining "anti-social" people at a party if either of the two made a public apology.
Okamato admitted saying he would "fire all of you" but denied he had intended to pressure them. He said he had meant to convey his feeling that holding a press conference was inappropriate when their conduct was being investigated.
However, he took responsibility for fostering mistrust.
"To Hiroyuki Miyasako and Ryo Tamura, I apologize to both very deeply for (putting them in a situation where) they were forced to do such a press conference," Okamoto said.
On running the Osaka-headquartered company, Okamoto said he wanted to put artists managed by Yoshimoto "first."
"If they would be willing, I would like us to sit at the same table, and listen to their thoughts and rethink how to create the best solution," he said.
Miyasako's contract with the talent agency was terminated Friday. Tamura's contract has been maintained, although he said he mistrusted the company.
