Masatoshi Hamada’s Hiatus: The Real Reasons Behind It and the Future of His Regular Shows

The scheduled recordings have been canceled

Hamada Masatoshi’s hiatus from “Downtown” seems to have the presence of his partner, Matsumoto Hitoshi, in the background.

On March 10, Hamada announced that he would be taking a break due to health issues.

The sudden announcement of his hiatus was met with concern, but also with many voices supporting his decision. His wife, talent Ogawa Natsumi, wrote on her blog:

“My husband has been running nonstop for decades. Even when he was exhausted, he hardly had time to recover his health, so I, as well as our sons, feel very relieved that he is finally able to take a break this time.”

In addition, junior comedians such as Chihara Junior, Koyabu Kazutoyo, and Black Mayonnaise’s Yoshida Takashi also expressed their understanding of Hamada’s hiatus, sending him words of encouragement:

“Please take your time to rest.”

Hamada currently has nine regular programs. As a duo with Matsumoto, he appears in three shows: Nippon TV’s Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!, Downtown DX, and TBS’s Wednesday Downtown. Solo, he hosts six shows: TBS’s Hamada Kayousai ★ Ookami Shounen and Prebat!!, Fuji TV’s Junk SPORTS, MBS’s Gobugobu, MBS Radio’s Gobugobu Radio, and Yomiuri TV’s Hama-chan ga!.

His workload is undeniably heavy, and there are reports that discussions are underway to reduce his burden by considering the termination of some programs. A television industry insider stated:

“The stockpile of pre-recorded episodes is currently being aired, but eventually, that will run out. The show Hama-chan ga!, which started in 2008, cannot exist without Hamada. The recent recording session was canceled, and the future of the program is ‘undecided.’ There are even rumors that it may end altogether.”

When asked about the cancellation of the recording and the future of the program, Yomiuri TV, which produces Hama-chan ga!, responded:

“We do not disclose details about the content of our programs. The future of the show is currently under discussion.”

TBS’s Hamada Kayousai is scheduled for its next recording in late March, with a substitute host stepping in for Hamada. Even Downtown’s flagship programs are not entirely secure, and discussions regarding their future are ongoing.