Japan comic axed over mob ties

Tokyo -- Shinsuke Shimada, a comedian and emcee who has been ubiquitous on Japanese TV for decades, quit showbiz Tuesday after cellphone emails came to light revealing his too-cozy relationship with an unnamed gangster. His agency, Yoshimoto, has given him the heave-ho. The networks airing the six shows that Shimada hosts have been thrown into a tizzy since few episodes are in the can and plans for alternatives are not yet in place. Fuji TV, which hosts a Shimada quizshow, has recorded episodes through Sept. 7 but does not know if it will air them. TV Tokyo, which broadcasts a local version of "Antique Roadshow" with Shimada as emcee, has pulled the show skedded for Wednesday and will air another program. It is mulling what to do next week. The NTV network, which skeds two Shimada variety shows in primetime, and TBS, which presents one, are also studying their options. Japanese TV talents frequently lose jobs or even careers for missteps that would be considered minor in Hollywood and elsewhere. Shimada, for example, didn't brake a law, but contact with the underworld is considered taboo at his elevated plane in the showbiz universe. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com