Osaka Comedian Don Nakata Kaus Addresses Matsumoto Hitoshi Problem and Criticisms
Exclusive 120-minute confession: "If he has laid his hands on customers and amateurs," ...... Former special advisor to a major figure who has supported the "comedy empire" for more than half a century speaks out about a string of troubles.
“I emerged as an idol comedian, and I received support from countless girls. Even though my partner was a bit of a playboy, our comedy duo never crossed the line with fans. That was also our mentor’s teaching. Matsumoto is out. If he really did touch fans, ordinary people.”
These are the critical words from a man amidst the swirl of allegations against Matsumoto Hitoshi (age 60). This man is Nakata Kaus (age 74), once a special advisor to Yoshimoto Kogyo and also known as “Yoshimoto’s fixer.” Debuting with his partner Nakata Button (age 75) in 1967, Nakata has been involved in comedy at Yoshimoto for 57 years, and in 2014, he became the chairman of the Kamigata Manzai Association. A figure who has been described as having defended Yoshimoto with his body has now spoken to FRIDAY about the ongoing turmoil within the agency and Matsumoto’s problem.
“If you have the mentality of valuing your audience, you wouldn’t feel inclined to do such things. If Matsumoto had a mentor, I think he would have been expelled long before facing company disciplinary action. For comedians, it’s important to be considerate of others. Getting into trouble with amateur girls. That’s just despicable.”
Nakata insists that his fans are simply audience members, and it’s unthinkable to make advances. In his early days when the audience was mainly older men and women, he approached young women around the theater, seeking reactions for his routines. Afterward, with a breakthrough style of wearing jeans and a T-shirt, he was chased by female fans daily. However, he claims his mindset remained unchanged even then.
“At that time, I was surrounded by fans everywhere, even when I got home, girls would come over. To put it bluntly, if I had wanted to, I could have had a field day. But I didn’t do anything. They were like daughters to me.”
