This article is the second part of a study that was triggered by the death of Kimura Hana, then 22-year-old professional wrestler and cast member of Terrace House—a reality TV serial, which was broadcast on the Fuji Television Network and has been streamed on Netflix, a pay video streaming service.
In response to the resolution of the Broadcast and Human Rights/Other Related Rights Committee of the Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization (BPO), which was released in March 2021, this article first focuses on the Terrace House scandal itself. Firstly, the author reviews how the incident occurred, by referring to the text of the resolution. Following this, the author’s viewpoint on the show’s possible structural failure is presented, in regards to the relationships between creators and casts of the show.
Secondly, the author discusses what attitudes and responses are required for creators in making and broadcasting/streaming TV programs like reality shows that are produced on the assumption that “amateurs,” who are not very different from general viewers, keep appearing on TV and actively send out messages on social media. Specifically, this article looks at this issue based on 1) measures taken at Fuji TV, following Ms. Kimura’s death and 2) regulations put in place in the United Kingdom—one of the leading countries in terms of reality TV.
Finally, looking towards the future, the author considers what approaches broadcasters should take, as professionals of program making, in this age when everyone can deliver their messages via social media and online streaming; namely, how to communicate with the cast in order to maintain the trust of viewers and what they can offer for young people who are eager to send out their own messages and express themselves.