Key Facts
• Fuji TV employee arrested for habitual online gambling on June 23, 2025.
• Suspect: Yoshitaka Suzuki, 44, former head of variety show planning.
• Gambling activities spanned 8 months, from September 2024 to May 2025.
• Total wagered amount: ¥170 million (approx. $12 million).
• Suzuki admitted to losing around ¥10 million (approx. $70,000).
• Participated in baccarat and slot games on overseas online casinos.
• Disciplinary action by Fuji TV failed to stop his gambling.
• Police charged him with “habitual gambling,” citing repeated offenses.
• Legal expert: High frequency and large bets led to the severe charge.
• Fuji TV pledged full cooperation with police and preventive measures.
Summary
Yoshitaka Suzuki, a 44-year-old Fuji TV employee, was arrested on June 23, 2025, for habitual online gambling. Over eight months, he wagered ¥170 million (approx. $12 million) on overseas casino platforms, losing around ¥10 million (approx. $70,000). Despite prior disciplinary action by Fuji TV, Suzuki continued gambling until his arrest. Legal experts highlighted the severity of his actions, citing frequent and high-stakes betting as grounds for the “habitual gambling” charge. Fuji TV expressed regret and committed to cooperating with authorities while implementing measures to prevent similar incidents.
