Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Return Raises Tensions with Senior Comedians

Downtown Matsumoto Hitoshi is coming back――.

In March of this year, Matsumoto, who had filed a lawsuit demanding 550 million yen in damages from Bunshun, the publisher of Weekly Bunshun, among others, for defamation caused by a series of reports, suddenly withdrew the lawsuit on November 8.

Matsumoto’s side emphasized in a statement:

“We have confirmed that there is no material evidence directly indicating the existence of coercion.”

While keeping the women who made the accusations in mind, Matsumoto also apologized:

“If there were women among those who participated who felt uncomfortable or were hurt, I sincerely apologize.”

He apologized.

 

From the theater with his partner, Hamada.

 

On the other hand, Bunshun released a statement under the name of Editor-in-Chief Takeda Sei, which said:

“We received contact from the plaintiff’s attorney, stating that they wanted to publicly apologize to those who were hurt, and after consulting with the women involved, we decided to agree to the withdrawal as defendants.”

The statement was made public.

Matsumoto’s agency, Yoshimoto Kogyo, made the following statement regarding his future:

“Regarding the resumption of Matsumoto Hitoshi’s activities, we will announce it as soon as it is decided, after consulting with the relevant parties.”

From the text, it seems that the resumption of activities is already a foregone conclusion, and they are in the stage of deciding on the location for his return. This has surprised entertainment reporters from sports newspapers.

“Despite the serious issue of sexual misconduct, it is unusual for them to hint so strongly at his return. I believe they are betting that the public will want to see the ‘strong individual’ that is Matsumoto Hitoshi again.”

As for the venue for his return, there was a report on November 10th in Sports Nippon that Matsumoto would appear at a theater managed by Yoshimoto Kogyo with his partner, Hamada Masatoshi, as part of Downtown. However, if Matsumoto, with his strong individuality, were to once again dominate within Yoshimoto, it could cause a significant ripple effect.

 

When the series of incidents occurred, veteran Kansai comedian Norio Nishikawa stated on a radio program:

“If there was truly nothing wrong, I don’t think they would take a break.”

He sharply advised fellow comedians supporting Matsumoto:

“It’s better to stop making comments from the inside.”

He suggested that Matsumoto hold a press conference.

Also, influential comedian in Kansai and within Yoshimoto, Kausu Nakada, in April, during an interview with Friday, said:

“If a comedian truly values the audience, they wouldn’t feel that way.”

He also criticized former CEO Hiroshi Osaki, who is said to have raised Downtown:

“The biggest mistake of my 57 years as a Yoshimoto comedian was making Osaki the CEO.”

He firmly stated.

 

The sense of surprise.

 

“Both Norio and Kaus’ masters have publicly criticized Matsumoto, so it’s uncertain if they can easily say welcome back. Matsumoto, on the other hand, isn’t the type to apologize with ‘I’m sorry for the trouble I caused.’ However, it’s a Yoshimoto tradition for seniors to reprimand someone harshly when they mess up, and Matsumoto might somewhat accept that as inevitable. Yoshimoto is essentially a collection of comedians, each like a strongly individualistic personal business, so they’ll likely take a mature stance of ‘That’s their way, and this is ours,’” (said a comedy insider).

The return of the charismatic comedian has a significant impact not only within Yoshimoto but also on the television industry. From the early stages of the controversy, producers and directors on the ground have been.

“There was a strong desire for Mr. Matsumoto to return, especially from a numbers perspective.”

In particular, Matsumoto’s absence has had a significant impact on competitions such as M-1, King of Conte, and THE SECOND. Many participating comedians expressed:

“I wanted to be evaluated by Mr. Matsumoto.”

Similarly, numerous viewers lamented Matsumoto loss, voicing their regrets.

“Given Mr. Matsumoto’s personality, his return as a judge is likely to be handled with the utmost care. If he were to make an overly surprising comeback, it could overshadow the contest winner, turning the next day’s online news into all about Matsumoto. For the sake of his junior comedians, he’ll likely wait for a more settled timing,” said a television industry insider.

“There is a sense that they were simply keeping Matsumoto’s seat warm during his absence. Once the king returns, they will readily relinquish it,”

It is said.

In the end, the comedy world may still revolve around Hitoshi Matsumoto.