Hidehiko Ishizuka of Honjamaka Reflects on the Boyhood That Shaped Who He Is Today
Hidehiko Ishizuka of "Honjamaka" talks about "My Boyhood" vol.38
My experiences from the past are still useful to me in the entertainment world today
Hello everyone, greetings to you all. This is Hidehiko Ishizuka, once again starting the year in short sleeves.
This time, I’d like to write on the theme of “How Hidehiko Ishizuka Was Made.”
I was born in February 1962, in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. When I was a child, not only the adults in my neighborhood but adults all around town were like parents to me. If you did something bad, you’d get scolded; if you did something good, you’d be praised. So when walking around town, I always paid attention so as not to get scolded by anyone.
Even when I was having fun with friends, I would quiet down when passing by adults, and I made sure not to step out into the roadway. My father was strict at home, but even outside there was a constant sense of tension during my childhood.
Amid all that, there was a friend nearby who put my mind at ease. His name was “Ōwaku-kun.” He was the same age as me, and we went to the same daycare, elementary school, and junior high school. Especially during elementary school, I loved playing with Ōwaku-kun.
I would stand in front of his house and call out, “Ōwaku-kun, let’s play!” and the door would open. It was an era before intercoms. When I said, “Let’s play inside,” Ōwaku-kun would ask his mom, “Is it okay if we play inside?” and then let me in.
There was only one reason I went into Ōwaku-kun’s house: Plarail. At the time, it was rare for kids to own a Plarail set. Even though it was Ōwaku-kun’s, I took the lead in assembling the tracks. Once it was finished, I’d lie on my stomach and enjoy watching the train approach from a realistic, eye-level perspective.
In those days, most families called their mother “okaasan,” but in Ōwaku-kun’s house, she was called “Mama.” I admired that a little.
Ōwaku-kun and I went our separate ways starting in high school. Eventually, we both became adults and stopped seeing each other for a while. The reunion with Ōwaku-kun after such a long time was at my mother’s funeral. He said to me, “If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know.” A childhood best friend remained a best friend, even after more than 50 years had passed.
In my childhood, I learned the importance of saying “hello,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry.” And now, I have come to learn the importance of a best friend as well.
Mental Strength Developed in Judo Club
As I’ve written before, I belonged to the judo club in high school. I remember above all how grueling the training was. Every day we did 100 push-ups, walked the length of the dojo back and forth in a handstand, and climbed a rope hanging from the gym ceiling using only our arms. This was the period in my life when I had the greatest physical strength. In the judo club, I also learned the strictness of senior–junior relationships, as well as how to strengthen concentration and mental toughness.
Even now, I arrive at work unusually early. I’m sorry if it makes the surrounding staff feel obliged to accommodate me, but it’s a habit left over from my club days, when you were expected to enter the dojo before your seniors. I think this habit is especially useful in the entertainment world, where hierarchy is highly valued.
In judo practice, if you looked like you were suffering, the advisor would spur you on with, “Don’t make a painful face.” Even when strength training felt like I’d reached my limit, if I was told, “Two more!” it was strange how I could still do it. Even when you think you’ve hit your limit, mental strength can carry you beyond it.
I joined a theater troupe at 20, entered the world of comedy at 22, and up to the present day I’ve faced hardship and worries. I believe I’ve been able to overcome them because the judo club taught me not to give up and to believe in my own strength.
Born in 1962 in Kanagawa Prefecture. Active as part of the comedy duo Honjamaka with Toshiaki Megumi, he has appeared in variety shows such as Ganso! Debuya (TV Tokyo), and is also active as an actor and voice actor. Currently, he appears as the Friday MC of Yojigoji Days (TV Tokyo), and is also focusing on YouTube and Instagram.From the January 23, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”
Text and illustrations： Hidehiko Ishizuka
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1962. He was a member of "Honjamaka," a duo with Toshiaki Megumi, and was also a member of "Ganso! Debuya" (TV TOKYO), as well as an actor and voice actor. Currently, he is the Friday MC of "Yoji Goji Days" (TV TOKYO), and is also active on YouTube and Instagram.