Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada Surrounded by Program Staff Beams with Smile

In late May, Masatoshi Hamada emerged from a studio in Tokyo with a cheerful expression throughout. Sporting his usual style of colored glasses, T-shirt, and track pants, Hamada’s words prompted laughter from the numerous staff surrounding him.

Following allegations of sexual misconduct reported by Shukan Bunshun, Hitoshi Matsumoto of “Downtown” announced a hiatus from entertainment activities on January 8. At the time, he held seven regular television programs, causing significant disruption in the TV industry.

“Particularly, it seems Hamada-san was quite shocked, and at first, those around him didn’t know how to react at all. On January 26, he appeared on his own radio show ‘Gobugobu Radio’ on Osaka’s MBS Radio and said for the first time,

‘Well, for now, there’s no replacement, so until he comes back, I’ll do what I can to the best of my ability. Within my limits, of course. I’ll do my best and wait.’

And for the first time, he confessed his feelings.

‘Maybe I should start looking for a partner until he comes back. Should I hold auditions? I’m urgently looking for a partner. But as soon as Matsumoto-san returns, we’ll dissolve right away.’

With that, he made the studio laugh, and the television industry breathed a sigh of relief. However, there were voices in shows like ‘Downtown DX’ (NTV) and ‘Wednesday Downtown’ (TBS) expressing concerns that relying too much on Matsumoto-san’s comments and reactions could be too burdensome.” (Commercial Variety Show Director)

 

When “Wednesday Downtown,” without Matsumoto, aired on January 31st and “DX” on February 1st consecutively, comments on social media included remarks like looking unusually tired and clearly swollen. Furthermore, there were also such observations.

“Clearly, it seemed like they were pushing their enthusiasm too hard, or rather, trying too hard to be upbeat. There were more scenes where they loudly laughed at the guests’ comments, and it felt like they were desperately trying to liven things up with gentle responses rather than sharp retorts. Even Hamada-san, who’s usually composed, seemed to have his energy levels change so drastically without his partner, which surprised the staff,” said a TV magazine writer.

With Matsumoto, who had always been by his side, suddenly absent, it’s understandable that there was a difference in the dynamics, which initially affected the atmosphere. Viewers might have been perplexed by such a change in Hamada.

“However, given his unmatched prowess as an MC compared to other comedians, now there are no worries at all. The staff’s reputation is also very positive. There are even voices from guests saying that the studio atmosphere has become brighter than before, and they can feel that coming through the TV screen,” concluded the writer mentioned earlier.

Matsumoto’s trial is expected to take at least another two years until a verdict is reached, but Hamada has completely adapted to being a solo MC. It seems unlikely now that he will seek a new partner.

 

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