Actor Sano Gaku Injured During TBS Variety Show Recording... Diagnosed with 8-9 Months Recovery

Actor Sano Gaku sustained an injury while recording the TBS variety program 'Strongest Sportsman Championship 2025 Winter' (commonly known as, スポ男), and TBS officially announced on November 20 that he has been diagnosed with a serious injury requiring 8-9 months of recovery.

Injury Occurred During Landing After Jumping 2.46 Meters

According to TBS, the accident occurred around 1:30 PM on November 18 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo during the program's signature event 'Monster Box'.

Sano successfully jumped 17 stages (height $2.46\text{m}$), but lost balance in the air and twisted his right foot upon landing. He complained of severe pain immediately after landing and, following the advice of accompanying paramedics and trainers, withdrew from the remainder of the competition.

After emergency treatment at the hospital, an MRI on the following day, November 19, revealed 'right knee meniscus damage and ligament tear', and the attending physician diagnosed him with the need for surgery after the swelling subsides, confirming an injury requiring 8-9 months of recovery.

"Injury on the Jumping Event I Was Confident In, I Can't Accept It" Expresses His Feelings

Sano Gaku confessed about his injury on the morning of the 20th through his X (formerly Twitter) account. "I was injured during the landing of the Monster Box event while recording 'Sportsman'. I had to give up the competition midway and decided to receive treatment after a thorough examination at the hospital. I can't accept that I got injured on the jumping event I was confident in, and I wanted to continue the competition until the end."

He expressed to his fans, "I apologize for causing worry and trouble. I will proceed according to the doctor's instructions and prioritize treatment. If given the opportunity, I plan to return in perfect condition."

This incident raises concerns about safety management, as it follows a previous incident in October where comedian duo 'Chocolate Planet' member Nagata Shohei was diagnosed with a left foot dorsal fracture (requiring 3 months recovery) during a TBS year-end special program recording, leading to ongoing controversy.