Japanese Announcer Covering Ohtani Faces Backlash in Korea for Thoughtless Behavior

Seiji Miyane Caught Smoking in No-Smoking Zone
Public Apology on Broadcast Met with Cold Public Opinion

Recently, a famous Japanese announcer who visited South Korea to cover Shohei Ohtani was caught smoking an electronic cigarette in a no-smoking area in Korea, sparking controversy.

Japanese announcer Miyane Seiji smoking an electronic cigarette in a non-smoking area while reporting at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul
[Image source=Capture from X (formerly Twitter)]

On the 20th, a Japanese individual identified as A posted on their X (formerly Twitter), "A Japanese journalist was scolded by a security guard for smoking at a baseball stadium." A witnessed this incident while visiting Korea to watch the '2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Tour Seoul Series' held at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.

Shortly after, A posted another message: "Even though he was scolded moments ago for smoking on the street, he is smoking again elsewhere. What is he doing in Korea? The staff who did not warn him are also a problem," along with a video. The video clearly shows a man wearing an LA Dodgers uniform and cap smoking near the camera. There is a designated smoking booth at the Gocheok Sky Dome.

A did not reveal the identity of the man, but local netizens quickly identified him as the famous Japanese announcer Miyane Seiji (60). Miyane began his career as a reporter for Asahi Broadcasting in 1987 and currently works as a freelance announcer. Previously, he sparked anti-Korean controversy by harshly criticizing Korea while reporting on the installation of a comfort women statue in front of the Japanese Consulate in Busan in 2017.

After the smoking incident became public, Miyane hurriedly issued a public apology to manage the situation. On the 21st, appearing on Japan TV's 'Information Live Miyane-ya,' he said, "I would like to offer my apologies. Yesterday (the 20th), I had an opportunity to broadcast in Korea. I smoked an electronic cigarette in a no-smoking area. I am sorry for causing discomfort and concern to those around me." He added, "I will return to my original mindset and work hard. I apologize," bowing repeatedly in apology.

Following this, over 4,000 comments were posted on related Yahoo Japan articles. Japanese netizens responded with remarks such as, "Smoking is a freedom, but manners must be observed," "It's embarrassing that such a person was sent on an overseas business trip," "It's more problematic since it happened twice," and "Rules become stricter because people don’t follow them properly." Despite the apology, criticism has not subsided. On the 22nd, local media 'Weekly Josei Prime' reported that announcer Miyane Seiji, who was caught smoking an electronic cigarette in a Korean no-smoking area and issued a public apology, faced renewed criticism for his insincere attitude.

Meanwhile, last month, Miyane Seiji also suffered the dishonor of ranking second in 'Most Disliked Hosts in the Studio,' a survey released by Yahoo Japan. This survey was conducted among 30 production staff members, including producers and cameramen from major Japanese broadcasters (multiple votes allowed), with Miyane receiving 16 votes. The first place was comedian and MC Shitara Osamu, who received 17 votes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.