30th place: Toma Ikuta
Toma Ikuta is an actor who first appeared as a child performer in the 1997 drama Aguri. In May 2024, a fan who was nine months pregnant reached out to him saying she was anxious about giving birth. Ikuta responded, “Maybe I should ask my husband for a painless delivery,” which triggered backlash online. Many users criticized the remark as “moral harassment” and questioned what he meant by “begging.” Although Ikuta later apologized, saying, “I realize my words hurt some people. I’m sorry,” the incident still dealt a heavy blow to his reputation. In fact, rumors about Ikuta’s unpleasant personality existed even before this comment surfaced.
In the 2013 film Nounan, Ikuta appeared alongside Fumi Nikaido. At the director’s request, he carried out a forceful “choking” scene that caused Nikaido to actually lose consciousness, highlighting how intense the filming was. When this story was shared during the preview event, Ikuta reportedly laughed, which left many viewers uncomfortable. There is also an anecdote about Ikuta visiting actor Masaki Okada’s home: although Okada told him not to enter the bedroom, Ikuta allegedly pressed his armpits onto the bed on purpose. After that, Okada is said to have banned him from returning, further contributing to his negative image. By February 2025, Ikuta stepped down from the Ariel commercials he had fronted since 2013. While some fans were saddened, others welcomed his exit. His “begging” remark will likely remain a lasting blemish on his career.
29th place: Fuwa-chan
Fuwa-chan is a TV personality who began gaining attention around 2017. On August 4, 2024, she reacted to comedian Yasuko’s comment—“Yasuko Olympics. Just being alive is wonderful, so everyone wins!”—by posting, “You’re not wonderful, so please pass on!” The remark spread rapidly online and led to a flood of criticism. By August 11, she had to halt her entertainment activities. According to various anecdotes, Fuwa-chan had already faced accusations of having a difficult personality, such as repeatedly turning up late or acting disrespectfully toward fellow performers. There are also stories of her pestering Fuji TV staff to “eat a donut” or “eat a salad,” as well as lowering her airplane seat on purpose despite warnings from the tour conductor. While she reportedly doesn’t mind being photographed openly, she becomes furious if she’s filmed secretly.
Back in 2017, Fuwa-chan was working independently, and the reason—based on the accounts you provided—was tied to a controversy involving her behavior. When she was younger, she was reprimanded by staff for attempting to enter veteran comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto’s dressing room without permission. Later, when an executive from her agency addressed the issue, Fuwa-chan allegedly gave the executive the middle finger as he was leaving. After this incident came to light, she was reportedly dismissed from the agency. Taken together, these stories portray her as having a highly self-centered personality. Even without the Yasuko incident, the narrative suggests she might have ended up sidelined sooner or later. As of 2025, Fuwa-chan is still said to be largely inactive in the entertainment world.
No. 28: Becky
Becky is a celebrity who once held the top spot in the “likeability ranking” for five years straight. Although her popularity collapsed in 2016 following her affair with Enon Kawatani of Gesu no Kiwami Otome, there had already been claims about her having a difficult personality even before that. At the height of her fame, some people in the industry reportedly viewed her poorly. She was described as being very two-faced and causing headaches for staff members. For instance, during an appearance on Waratte Iitomo, she was said not to have thanked the staffer who brought her phone. Even as the main host of Nijiiro Jean, she was reportedly strict toward her junior, Yui Sato.
There were also stories that Becky tracked other celebrities’ romantic lives and occasionally meddled in them, allegedly saying things like, “You should break up with that girl.” Because of such behavior, she was nicknamed the “celebrity police,” and many entertainers were said to avoid her. According to these accounts, her “nice” image was little more than a psychological tactic. As noted earlier, her public standing plummeted after the affair with Enon Kawatani, and her playful LINE messages—such as “Sentence Spring!”—were leaked, prompting her to temporarily step back from the industry. At the end of that year, she appeared on Gaki no Tsukai and endured a harsh comedic “initiation.”
In 2018, Becky married former baseball player Yasuyuki Kataoka, and the couple now has two children. She has also gained more acting opportunities, including the 2024 drama Before You Become a Beast, in which she portrayed a blonde assassin. With the earlier allegations about her personality widely circulated, Becky appears to have carved out a new kind of role for herself within the entertainment world.
27th place: Sho Sakurai
Sakurai Sho, formerly of the Johnny’s group Arashi, is often described by his juniors as “a man who snaps in three seconds,” which reportedly made the other Arashi members very cautious around him. There are numerous fan accounts claiming he behaved coldly toward supporters, with stories alleging he “spat gum and saliva” or told someone, “Move, you ugly thing.” During the 2012 24-Hour Television charity broadcast, Arashi took part in a fundraising event where most members willingly shook hands with fans. Sakurai, however, was said to have declined, reportedly remarking, “Did you come to make a donation or to shake hands?” At the following year’s fundraiser, he was described as standing with his arms behind his back to avoid handshakes.
In 2011, Sakurai filmed the drama Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato on location in Singapore. According to reports, he paid no attention to the local fans who gathered to see him, and overseas media even labeled him “Japan’s delusional idol.” Given his status as one of Japan’s prominent idols, many fans wish he would show a bit more warmth toward those who support him.
26th place: Osamu Mukai
Mukai Osamu is an actor who earned the Best Newcomer Award in 2011 for his performance in the film Beck. Although he is often seen as calm and gentle, some comedians have claimed that he actually has a “difficult personality.” One story describes a wrap party for a commercial in which Mukai, reportedly drunk, sat with his co-stars, the comedy duo Niche. According to the account, he shouted remarks like, “You ugly girls should go home early.” Because Niche’s comedic persona revolves around self-deprecating humor, they initially laughed it off, but as the harsh comments continued, the mood of the gathering reportedly turned uncomfortable.
There are also rumors that Mukai can be unfriendly toward TV staff, with anecdotes saying he behaves “bluntly and rudely,” or that he once ignored a greeting in the hallway without even a nod. In addition, he is said to respond to reporters with only the bare minimum and occasionally end interviews by abruptly saying, “Okay, that’s it,” before walking away. In 2010, Mukai was involved in a rear-end collision caused by not noticing the car ahead. Although he issued an apology to fans, reports claim he did not apologize to the other party involved. According to these stories, some people believed they saw signs of his alleged unpleasant personality even before his rise to fame. Nevertheless, Mukai has remained active in show business without being sidelined, which some interpret as proof that his good looks give him a strong advantage in the industry.
25th place: Keigo Oyamada
Keigo Oyamada is a musician who first debuted in 1989 as part of Flipper’s Guitar. He had been selected to compose the music for the opening ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but past allegations of severe bullying resurfaced and caused major controversy. The issue stemmed from a 1994 interview in ROCKIN’ON JAPAN, in which Oyamada described, in a bragging tone, abusive acts he said he committed against a disabled classmate during his school years—such as wrapping him in mattresses, forcing him to consume feces, and shutting him inside a cardboard box before covering him in chalk dust.
Although the Olympic organizing committee initially considered keeping him in the role, the public outrage became overwhelming, leading Oyamada to withdraw from the project. He then suspended his musical activities for a period of time. In 2024, nonfiction writer Ippo Nakahara interviewed Oyamada, who stated that “not everything is true,” distancing himself from parts of the published account. Even so, public criticism has not subsided, and the perception of him as having a “bad personality” continues to be widely discussed.
24th place: Funky Kato
Funky Kato is a member of the hip-hop group FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S. Although he has enjoyed a long solo career and is known for singing upbeat, inspirational songs, some people have criticized him for having a difficult personality. He married his former manager in 2013, but in 2015 it was revealed that he had an affair. His affair partner was the then-wife of comedian Hidetsugu Shibata of the duo Untouchable. She became pregnant with Funky Kato’s child and later divorced Shibata. While Kato did not separate from his own wife, he stated publicly that he would acknowledge the child and provide financial support.
According to various accounts, Funky Kato has always been extremely fond of women, and even after getting married, he reportedly continued to attend group dates. He has long been labeled a “self-centered guy,” and some claim that his personality contributed to the breakup of FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S. Stories also circulate that he was overly focused on his own income and treated fellow member DJ Chemical like an assistant. Despite these harsh criticisms, Kato welcomed twins in 2020, and in 2021 he and Monkichi reunited FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S. When he appeared on CDTV Live! Live! in July 2024, many viewers reacted negatively, causing his name to trend for unflattering reasons.
23rd place: Akira Kuwahara
Akira Kuwabara is the former guitarist of the well-known band RADWIMPS. He exited the group in October 2024 amid reports of problematic behavior that had allegedly frustrated vocalist Yojiro Noda for years. Kuwabara became close to exposer Garcy, and when Garcy began publishing exposé videos in February 2022, Kuwabara appeared regularly in them. Garcy referred to him as “Kuwa,” and the two even operated a bar together without Noda’s knowledge.
This bar was rumored to be a shady hangout where celebrities gathered nightly, with women connected to Garcy also frequenting the place. In September 2021, Kuwabara stepped back from activities after an affair with a model came to light, and he later divorced. After leaving the band, his alleged mistress publicly revealed their relationship, and Kuwabara was said to have reacted angrily, adding to his ongoing troubles involving women. He also runs a resale business and once purchased large quantities of T-shirts during an overseas tour. Some accounts claim he viewed this as a way to compensate for income differences within the band, though Noda reportedly regarded the move with disapproval.
Since his departure, Kuwabara has continued pursuing various ventures, including resale work and radio hosting, but many still criticize his personality as unchanged. In January 2025, he expressed frustration on X about the low pay he said he received during his RADWIMPS years, and by March he was publicly calling RADWIMPS “the band I hate most in the world.” Whether he and Yojiro Noda will ever repair their relationship remains uncertain.
22nd place: Teruyuki Kagawa
Teruyuki Kagawa is an actor known for taking on eccentric roles in Sunday Theatre dramas. According to various reports, he has faced numerous allegations of misconduct, including claims of assaulting female staff and harassing hostesses. In 2018, media outlets reported that he summoned a female staff member during a drama launch celebration and allegedly assaulted her. Other staff members supposedly intervened and apologized, saying things like, “He’s done this to me too,” and additional stories have circulated suggesting a pattern of violent behavior. In 2019, Kagawa was also accused of inappropriate conduct at a Ginza club, with reports stating he forcibly removed a hostess’s clothes and engaged in other unwanted physical contact. These allegations resurfaced in August 2022, leading to him being effectively removed from television appearances.
In 2024, he took on a leading role in WOWOW’s drama Drama Series W Sai, signaling an attempt at a comeback. However, when he attended the “Farewell Ceremony for Ichikawa En’on and Ichikawa Sudanshiro” in January 2024, his noticeably graying hair sparked comments that he appeared older. With his alleged misconduct and changing appearance frequently discussed, it remains uncertain whether Teruyuki Kagawa will fully reestablish himself in the entertainment industry.
No. 21 Chinatsu Wakatsuki
Chinatsu Wakatsuki is a talent and former gravure idol who appeared on variety shows like Quiz! Hexagon around 2003. She has been suspected of having a difficult personality due to allegations of power harassment toward her managers at Platinum Production. Although she temporarily stepped away from show business, Wakatsuki has been active in the entertainment world for over 20 years as of 2025. During that time, she reportedly went through around 30 different managers. According to Josei Jishin, she was heard speaking harshly to one manager, saying things like, “You’re an idiot. You’re really useless.”
Wakatsuki retired from the entertainment industry in 2008 and launched her own apparel brand. The popular character “Kumatan” is widely associated with her, but reports have claimed that the original concept was created by someone else, despite Wakatsuki publicly presenting it as her own design, which caused some friction. The agency that had mediated the project was Platinum Production, where she had been affiliated for many years. However, in August 2024, Wakatsuki announced she was leaving the agency. Given the longstanding rumors about her difficult behavior, some speculate that the company may feel relieved to no longer represent her.
20th place: Atsushi Tsutsumi
Tsutsumishita Atsushi is the straight man of the comedy duo Impulse. While he is said to be courteous toward superiors, reports claim he can be overbearing toward juniors, leading some people around him to describe him as having a difficult personality. In 2013, Kazuko Kurosima of Morisanchu accused him of having bullied her in the past. Then, during a live internet broadcast in 2015, he appeared heavily intoxicated. When an ordinary female participant mentioned she had recently gone through a breakup, he suddenly snapped, saying, “What’s your problem? You wanna fight?!”—a moment that left viewers stunned.
In 2017, Tsutsumishita was suspended after being involved in two traffic accidents. Although the accidents were the official reason, negative impressions of his character had reportedly been building long before that. In a 2019 episode of Wednesday Downtown, a segment tested whether comedians would keep smoking even in an emergency involving their partner. When Tsutsumishita was told that Toshiyuki Itakura had collapsed, he allegedly smoked two cigarettes before going to check on him. Even if the situation may have been partially staged, Itakura still remarked that Tsutsumishita was “a terrible person,” reinforcing the image of him as having a selfish or unpleasant personality.
19th place: Nana Eikura
Nana Eikura is an actress who received the Best New Actor award for her performance in the 2010 film The Bride with a Month to Live. She has taken on a wide variety of roles, from boyish characters to more mature ones, but there have also been rumors that she can be difficult to work with. At one drama wrap party, she was reportedly overheard saying to a young actor she hadn’t shared any scenes with, “You didn’t even greet me—who are you, anyway?” During the period when she was active in both fashion magazines and runway modeling, she was also said to have snapped, “Who do you think is selling these magazines? Give me a break!”
There are additional stories claiming she can be cold toward fans, including one rumor that she responded to a handshake request by saying, “Be quiet. You’re just a regular person. Don’t talk to me.” While these accounts are unverified, many people repeat them with the idea that “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” In her private life, Eikura married actor Kento Kaku in 2016, and by 2025 they have two children. In an interview, she mentioned that raising kids made her feel like she had “finally become part of society” and that she realized how structured and protected her environment had been before. It’s possible that motherhood has softened her personality over time.
18th place: Ryoma Takeuchi
Ryoma Takeuchi is an actor known for leading roles in dramas such as The Ship of Theseus and The Day the World Ends with You. Although he is often viewed as a handsome and promising young star, rumors about a “bad personality” have circulated due to alleged woman-related troubles and his behavior on variety shows. In June 2020, Friday reported that Takeuchi had ended a three-year relationship with Ayako Yoshitani and shifted his attention to Ayaka Miyoshi. At that time, he was reportedly living with Yoshitani, who was covering many of his living expenses. According to the magazine’s account, he did not repay the money and abruptly broke up with her, forcing her to leave the apartment.
There are also claims that Takeuchi repeatedly cheated with co-stars during the three years they were together, leading some people to call him a “co-star killer.” On set, he is said to be known for his narcissistic streak, and his frequent Instagram selfies have contributed to him being jokingly labeled “the really cool NON STYLE Inoue,” a nickname that doesn’t necessarily flatter Inoue. Due to these stories, Takeuchi’s “good guy” image has reportedly suffered. His only leading role in 2024 was in The Day the World Ends with You: FINAL, a project he had already been part of before. Some observers suggest he has been sidelined because of his rumored difficult personality.
17th place: Nanako Matsushima
Nanako Matsushima is an actress who has starred in many productions, including the 1998 film Ring. She is often rumored to have a fiery temperament and to insist on saying whatever is on her mind. Because of this, people in the TV industry reportedly view her as difficult, and staff jokingly labeled her “the actress they least want as a heroine.” Although she has retained her beauty since her early career, she is also said to be very particular about photo shoots. Comments such as “You can just remove the blemishes and wrinkles afterward” have reportedly caused tension on set. Still, because her presence helps magazines sell, the offers keep coming—and so do the staff’s struggles.
Matsushima married actor Takashi Sorimachi in 2001, and they live with their children in a luxury apartment. Despite the building’s rule restricting pets to small animals, the family reportedly convinced the owner to allow them to keep a Doberman. In 2012, the dog allegedly bit a neighbor, and the situation escalated into a lawsuit. During this period, Matsushima was slated to film a drama with the same team behind Kaseifu no Mita, but she suddenly withdrew from the project, reportedly saying she was “busy with her daughter’s entrance exams.” Combined with the neighbor dispute, this decision was said to have hurt her popularity even further. More than a decade has passed, yet the impressions formed at that time still linger for many people.
16th place: Seiji Miyane
Seiji Miyane is a commentator best known for hosting programs like Miyane-ya. Women’s weekly magazines have often placed him at the top of their “Most Hated MCs” rankings, largely due to criticism of his hosting style, such as offering what are seen as inappropriate reactions to guests or cutting them off mid-conversation. Miyane was once an extremely popular Kansai announcer, and after leaving Asahi Television in 2004 to go freelance, a Yomiuri TV employee reportedly scouted him and launched Miyaneya. However, that employee has since retired, and criticism toward Miyane has gradually increased.
On set, he is said to be very particular about how staff work. While he uses friendly nicknames like “-chan” for those close to him, he reportedly behaves more coldly toward others. People on site often complain that he doesn’t listen, which has fueled frustration among staff members. Recently, Miyane has frequently taken Fridays off, with Kohei Nishiyama—who serves as both director and field reporter—stepping in as his substitute. Nishiyama is reportedly well-liked by the onsite crew, which has put Miyane in a somewhat uneasy position. This situation is said to have further irritated him, creating a cycle in which he blames staff more harshly. Many observers believe Miyane Seiji is now facing a turning point in his career.
15th place: Osamu Shitara
Shitara Osamu is the comedian of the duo Bananaman and has served as MC for numerous programs in recent years. In 2024, the weekly magazine Weekly Gendai surveyed TV industry workers about “the MCs most disliked in the studio,” and Shitara reportedly ranked first. According to the magazine, he is viewed as “high-handed,” frequently giving detailed advice on casting choices and making demands on program planning that staff say are sometimes unrealistic. Because many shows operate on limited budgets, staff comments suggest there are times when “even if we know what he wants, we can’t make it happen.”
Despite being aware of these constraints, Shitara allegedly continues to scold staff, which some claim contributes to fatigue on set. He is often described as someone who prefers to surround himself with “yes-men.” There are also claims that departures of certain celebrities from his shows may reflect Shitara’s preferences. Shitara is widely known for a teasing, somewhat sadistic on-air persona, directing sharp comments toward his partner Yuki Himura and various guests. However, this dynamic is generally understood as part of the show’s comedic tone rather than actual bullying. Still, the Weekly Gendai ranking is seen by some as evidence that Shitara Osamu’s teasing style may also extend to staff members behind the scenes.
14th place: Shinobu Sakagami
Shinobu Sakagami is an actor once hailed as a child prodigy and now works as a commentator. While hosting shows with a sharp tongue, many observers have described him as “a bully who only targets those in weaker positions.” On a past variety show, Sakagami reportedly made remarks such as, “Ugly women shouldn’t leave the house” and “I just hate ugly women.” Fuji TV even released ringtones featuring phrases like, “I hate ugly women! I don’t answer calls from ugly women,” and “Booth! Booth! Booth!” These ringtones were widely criticized for being disrespectful and were discontinued in February 2021.
In March of the same year, Sakagami addressed the controversy on Viking MORE, explaining that he felt compelled to go along with the staff’s suggestion—a response that some interpreted as shifting blame and indicative of a difficult personality. Online criticism of him surged following this explanation. The show Viking MORE eventually ended in April 2022. Before that, there were reports that Fuji TV management had faced allegations of power harassment from Sakagami, with claims that he “unreasonably loses his temper.” While Sakagami denied these accusations, public perception continues to associate him with a challenging personality, making it difficult for him to fully shake that image.
13th place: Kei Tanaka
Kei Tanaka is an actor who has starred in numerous dramas, including Ossan’s Love. He was recognized as one of the most successful actors of 2021, but some reports have criticized him for having a difficult personality. He is said to enjoy drinking and gambling, and before his rise to fame, these habits reportedly led him to borrow part of his salary in advance. Stories circulating online suggest that he can be domineering toward women—for instance, at a drinking party, he allegedly told a woman who ordered oolong tea, “If you’re not going to drink it, go home, you’re annoying.” At the same gathering, he is also said to have boasted about making 400 million yen and disclosed the real name of a well-known actress, claiming a personal relationship with her.
In August 2021, Excite News reported that Tanaka appeared to have become more arrogant over the years. While he smiles for TV cameras, the article noted that he seemed displeased in magazine interviews. He has a reputation for being arrogant in media interactions, and his public image has reportedly suffered. Tanaka married actress Sakura in 2011 after she became pregnant. On a 2018 episode of Guruguru Nightin’ Nine, he commented, “Of all the options I have, the one thing I don’t want to lose right now is my wife.” Some viewers interpreted this remark, combined with the circumstances of their marriage, as further evidence that Tanaka may have a flawed personality.
12th place: Daisuke Muramoto
Daisuke Muramoto is the comedian of the duo Woman Rush Hour, often described online as a temperamental performer. He has frequently appeared in searches for “bad personality” and reportedly topped rankings for the most controversial comedians two years in a row. Muramoto has openly admitted in interviews to pursuing fans romantically. In 2019, during an appearance on AbemaTV’s Rino Sashihara & Black Mayonnaise’s General Election of the Worst Men in Love, he reportedly justified one-night stands, saying, “I made 1,200 people smile at my live shows, and even if I had a one-night stand with one of them, it would still be a plus.”
Muramoto has also been known to make politically charged or provocative statements on social media. In 2023, he tweeted, “I hope that when an accident occurs, not only the local people but all of Japan will be exposed to radiation.” While he has said he intends well, his statements are often misunderstood and have attracted criticism. In addition to this reputation, he is reported to speak his mind impulsively, sometimes making remarks without considering the mood or consequences, which has reportedly upset people. As of 2024, Muramoto has relocated his activities to the United States. He has described his current situation by saying, “Even though I’m having a rough time, I’m doing well,” suggesting that he continues to follow his own path despite challenges.
11th place: Atsuko Maeda
Maeda Atsuko, a former idol and the prominent center of AKB48, has long been known for her independent and laid-back personality, which some observers have criticized as difficult. While in the group, she reportedly preferred not to form close circles with other members, and on occasions when she overslept and missed handshake events, she allegedly did not apologize. In 2011, during an appearance on Jonetsu Tairiku, she reportedly avoided staff questions and hid her face from the camera. Oshima Yuko, standing nearby at the time, appeared troubled, highlighting reports that Maeda’s behavior was perceived as self-centered.
Even after leaving AKB48 and transitioning into acting, her strong-willed personality has continued to attract attention. In 2017, she co-starred with Keiko Kitagawa in the film The Detective is in the Bar. Reports suggest that Maeda was unhappy playing a supporting role while Kitagawa took the lead, and that her mood on set occasionally caused tension between the two. Maeda married actor Ryo Katsuji in 2018, but the couple reportedly clashed frequently due to their strong personalities and divorced in 2021. While the divorce has been attributed primarily to allegations of domestic violence by Katsuji, some commentators have suggested that Maeda’s personality may also have contributed to difficulties in the marriage.
10th place: Noriyuki Higashiyama
Higashiyama Noriyuki is a former member of the idol group Shounentai and currently serves as CEO of SMILE-UP, the successor to Johnny & Associates. While Johnny Kitagawa’s misconduct toward members has been widely reported, there have also been allegations regarding Higashiyama’s past behavior. A Johnny’s-related tell-all book published in 2005 claimed that, as a teenager, Higashiyama allegedly played inappropriate pranks on members of Johnny’s Jr., including reportedly removing their pants and underwear and, in some cases, showing them to Kitagawa.
The book also included claims that he made inappropriate suggestive remarks, such as “Eat my sausage,” earning him the nickname “Higashi’s exhibitionist” among members. Higashiyama has denied the claims in the book, though he was known to be a favored member of Kitagawa. Observers have speculated that he may have been influenced by Kitagawa’s conduct. When Higashiyama was appointed president of Johnny’s in August 2023, some industry insiders reportedly expressed skepticism about his leadership, citing both his lack of management experience and doubts about his personality.
9th place: Hitomi Kuroki
Kuroki Hitomi is an actor affiliated with the Takarazuka Revue. Due to her work, she frequently stays at hotels, but reports suggest that her behavior has led to a poor reputation among staff. Allegedly, she has expressed dissatisfaction with set menus, demanding à la carte options, and reportedly ignored staff who called out perceived breaches of etiquette. In an industry where loyalty and professionalism are valued, these actions have been criticized as self-centered.
In 2011, following the sudden death of Shizue Inagaki, president of Office Inagaki where Kuroki had been affiliated for many years, she reportedly established her own agency, Poem Company Limited, and transferred there. Office Inagaki subsequently struggled financially and eventually went bankrupt, which fueled criticism of Kuroki’s actions. In a survey asking married women which beautiful actresses they would least like as a senior at work, Kuroki Hitomi ranked second, behind Fujiwara Norika, suggesting that public perception of her personality is negative.
Additionally, reports emerged regarding her daughter, who allegedly led a bullying incident at Aoyama Gakuin Junior High School involving harassment. When the case was discovered, only Kuroki’s daughter was expelled. Some observers speculated that the family’s substantial donations to the school influenced the handling of the situation, leading to further criticism and comments along the lines of “like parent, like child.”
8th place: Mao Inoue
Inoue Mao is an actor who starred in the 2015 taiga drama Hana Moyu. Among television industry insiders, she has been described as having a two-faced personality, with some commenting, “Whenever she speaks, it’s often badmouthing others. She even criticizes how people handle their chopsticks at lunch.” She reportedly treats certain actions as pranks, but these behaviors have repeatedly caused frustration for those around her. On the show Oshareism, she shared incidents such as allegedly touching Okada Masaki’s hair despite knowing he dislikes it, and deliberately waking a co-star who was taking a nap.
While working overseas, it is reported that she accidentally let a bathtub overflow, flooding the room next door. According to accounts, she did not assist with the cleanup, which was perceived by some as an irresponsible act rather than a harmless prank. Inoue Mao began her career as a child actress at the age of five, and some observers speculate that her early exposure to the entertainment industry may have contributed to these reported personality traits.
7th place: Tatsuya Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Tatsuya, a former member of the Johnny's group TOKIO, has been widely reported to have struggled with alcohol and has been involved in several violent incidents. On a 2012 broadcast of 5LDK, Kanjani Eight’s Yokoyama Yu claimed that he had been punched by a drunk Yamaguchi Tatsuya. According to Yokoyama, while returning from drinking, Yamaguchi allegedly became angry after being bumped on the shoulder by a member of the public and attempted to attack the person. Yokoyama reportedly tried to intervene, offering himself as a target, but was struck instead. Accounts suggest that Yamaguchi may not have remembered the incident afterward.
In 2018, Yamaguchi Tatsuya was arrested for allegedly providing alcohol to a high school co-star and committing indecent acts. These incidents were attributed to his alcohol use and inability to control his behavior while intoxicated. Following this series of scandals, he retired from the entertainment industry. As of 2025, he is reportedly giving lectures on alcoholism and addiction. Observers have suggested that his struggles with alcohol contributed significantly to the perception of him having a difficult personality.
6th place: Yukina Kinoshita
Yukina Kinoshita is a TV personality and model who appeared on programs such as Quiz! Hexagon. In 2016, during an appearance on Konya Kurabete Mita, she reportedly laughed while recounting an incident in which she allegedly pressured a junior high classmate to skip school, which drew criticism online. Kinoshita has been described as quick-tempered and tomboyish, with a reputation for being a former delinquent. Observers note that her temperament has remained sharp into adulthood, and there have been reports of her losing her temper with ordinary people who crossed her path.
In 2019, she faced controversy for allegedly sending a threatening message via Instagram to a bubble tea shop where her sister worked. Comments she reportedly made, including “You old hag” and “We’ll get the whole agency involved,” were widely criticized and compared to the bullying behavior she had experienced in middle school. Following these events, Kinoshita suspended her entertainment activities, and her popularity reportedly declined. Although she has retired from traditional showbiz, she remains active on TikTok and Instagram. Media outlets like Yahoo! News continue to cover her activities, but public commentary often highlights criticism of her personality, suggesting the negative perception persists.
5th place: Yu Hamaguchi
Masaru Hamaguchi, the comedian of the duo Yoiko, is set to leave Shochiku Entertainment Agency in December 2024, reportedly not under friendly terms but due to various conflicts. Hamaguchi has been described as having a short temper and is said to have insulted managers in front of others, with allegations of power harassment contributing to the resignation of roughly 20 managers. Despite the positive connotation of the duo's name, Yoiko, a number of negative stories about Hamaguchi have circulated.
One incident reportedly involved him becoming furious upon discovering that the clothing he was wearing under his headgear was not new, saying, “Are you making me wear something someone else has worn?” He has also allegedly refused to attend shoots if he disliked the script, stating, “I’m not going tomorrow.” Notably, only Hamaguchi is leaving the agency; his partner, Shinya Arino, reportedly was unaware until Hamaguchi made the announcement early on December 28, despite the agency requesting a December 31 release. According to junior comedians, the members of Yoiko rarely communicate, fueling rumors of tension between them. With Hamaguchi constantly linked to controversies, questions remain about whether he can maintain good relations with others after leaving the agency.
4th place: Suzu Hirose
Hirose Suzu is an actress who starred in the 2017 film Chihayafuru – Kami no Shun. In 2020, she ranked second in Bunshun’s “Most Hated Actresses” list, and given that Izumi Pinko took the top spot, it suggests Hirose faces significant public dislike. One major factor dates back to 2015, when the then–17-year-old appeared on Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita and sparked controversy by asking, “Why would someone choose to become a lighting technician if they were born and raised normally?” Since TV relies on countless staff members, this remark was widely viewed as disrespectful and has continued to influence her image.
People working behind the scenes have reportedly commented that she “never greets anyone and is always on her phone,” and that she “doesn’t read the room and just speaks her mind because she’s Cinderella.” These impressions suggest that the lighting remark may still color how staff perceive her. In 2024, Hirose Suzu co-starred with Nakano Taiga, for whom she initially had a favorable impression. However, after speaking with him on the radio, she remarked, “He’s always been a good person. So I think I’m starting to dislike him,” leading some online users to label her comments “twisted.” She appears to be someone who expresses her thoughts without much filter. In March 2025, she was reported to have broken up with Yamazaki Kento. While their busy schedules were cited as the primary reason, some speculate that her personality may have played a role as well.
3rd place: Shinji Saito
Shinji Saito, formerly part of the comedy trio Jungle Pocket, was long viewed as gentle and easygoing, yet his name has also surfaced in connection with various scandals, including alleged issues involving women and reported gambling debts. Although he is said to treat his juniors kindly, accounts from within the industry suggest that he has clashed with seniors and colleagues. He was reportedly involved in disputes with Fruit Punch’s Takeshi Murakami and Panther’s Takahiro Ogata, and one episode in which he allegedly slapped Ogata during an argument has often been cited as an example of his impulsive side.
In July 2024, Saito was accused of assaulting a woman in her twenties on a location bus. According to reports, when the two were alone, he allegedly committed indecent acts and then engaged in non-consensual behavior. The incident was said to have occurred during the daytime, leading many to believe that alcohol was not a factor. The woman reportedly refused any settlement, and in March 2025 the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office announced that Saito would be indicted without detention on charges of non-consensual intercourse and indecent conduct. Yoshimoto Kogyo subsequently ended its contract with him, and related YouTube content was removed.
Fans reacted with shock and disappointment, sharing comments such as “I want to cry” and “I don’t think he’ll ever return to entertainment.” Given the seriousness of the allegations and the pending legal case, many observers believe that Saito’s reputation has shifted beyond that of a “celebrity with a bad personality,” and that a comeback in show business is highly unlikely.
2nd place: Ken Watabe
Watanabe Ken, the straight man of the comedy duo Unjash, gained recognition early in his career for his intelligence and for becoming known as a “gourmet king” in the entertainment world. However, some in the industry have accused him of having a difficult personality. While he reportedly behaved politely toward senior colleagues and attractive women, he was said to act arrogantly toward younger comedians and peers. According to anecdotes, he once asked less-established juniors to reserve seats for him at Koshien, remarking that they “probably had a lot of free time anyway,” and only covered their transportation costs. Hiroyuki Ariyoshi once described him as “quick to anger and genuinely unpleasant,” and Oriental Radio’s Shingo Fujimori also commented that Watanabe was “a celebrity he disliked.”
Criticism of Watanabe intensified after an adultery scandal surfaced in September 2020. Reports claimed that although he was married to Nozomi Sasaki, he had affairs with several women and met them in multi-purpose restrooms in Roppongi Hills, allegedly handing each partner 10,000 yen afterward. The sensational details of the scandal fueled claims about his character, and even the incident involving seat reservations at Koshien began to be reframed as a sign of stinginess. Despite his high income at the time, his frugal behavior became a talking point, and his public image took a major hit.
Watanabe resumed entertainment activities in 2022, though many viewers still appear to harbor negative feelings toward him. During his lowest period, the people who continued to support him were reportedly his wife, Nozomi Sasaki, and his comedy partner, Kazuya Kojima. Sasaki chose not to divorce him, and the couple welcomed their second child in 2023. Although Watanabe was rumored to have once looked down on Kojima, the duo remained intact. While Watanabe has been characterized by some as having a poor personality, there are those who feel he may be trying to change.
1st place: Kanna Hashimoto
Kanna Hashimoto is an actress who shot to fame after the 2013 “miracle photo” went viral. For more than a decade she has starred in numerous films and dramas, but some industry rumors suggest that being heavily favored from a young age may have made her overly confident. In October 2024, several outlets reported allegations of power harassment involving Hashimoto. According to these reports, she was extremely particular about when she used a parasol and had supposedly snapped at her manager, calling them “useless.” There were also claims that she once made a manager travel from a hotel in Ibaraki all the way to her home to retrieve a hair dryer.
Some reports even alleged that around eight managers quit in a short time because of her difficult personality, leading to speculation that the agency was struggling to keep managers assigned to her. However, her agency denied these stories, and fans familiar with the staff structure have argued that “there’s no way eight people left.” Additional rumors circulate that she speaks harshly to staff or fails to greet people properly, though these, too, remain unverified hearsay.
In 2025, Hashimoto took on the lead role in the spring Asadora “Omusubi.” Unfortunately, the drama suffered from a weak script and earned poor ratings. While the failure wasn’t entirely her responsibility, the disappointing viewership may have created an environment where negative coverage about her spread more easily.