Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Remarkable Consideration for Emiko Uenuma, Mitsuyoshi Uchimura, and Shinsuke Shimada

“I still can’t believe it.”

These words are spoken by a veteran director.

The chaos surrounding the Weekly Bunshun report on Matsumoto Hitoshi of “Downtown” is causing turmoil in the television industry. Matsumoto’s hiatus has led to the search for substitutes for regular programs and significant impacts on future scheduling. Amidst this, the veteran director mentioned at the beginning speaks about Matsumoto’s presence on the work site.

“Until he enters the studio and stands in front of the set, he may seem reserved or tense. However, in the few seconds before the live broadcast, he teases his co-stars to ease tension. After the show, he quietly supports junior comedians. He’s an incredibly considerate person.”

That is why he was so shocked by the inside story in the Bunshun article.

Emiko Uenuma, the “bigwig of the west,” also commented on Matsumoto’s consideration.

On the January 14 broadcast of “Uenuma Takada no Kugizuke!” (Yomiuri TV), she commented on the series of Bunshun reports.

 “It makes me sick.”

expressed strong disgust, but on the other hand, when Matsumoto was disparaged by young comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo during the judging of the 2018 M-1 Grand Prix, Matsumoto later made a surprise visit to Kuwashima’s Osaka dressing room. He apologized for the disrespectful behavior of the junior comedians. 

Uenuma said, “I was a little moved at the time. He bowed his head for his junior. I thought he was a great guy.”

and praised Matsumoto. However, she added, “That’s why I’m puzzled by this situation. At that time, you bowed your head to me for the sake of your junior comedians. You’re such an admirable person of integrity.”

and she expressed this sentiment.