Speedwagon’s Ozawa Faces Doubts Over TV Return in Self Deprecating Comeback Live Show

The memorable live show chosen as the place for his return

In January 2024, following reports of sexual misconduct allegations involving Downtown’s Hitoshi Matsumoto (62) that shook all of Japan, Kazutaka Ozawa (52)—whose name was mentioned as a woman arranger—has finally appeared in front of an audience after about two years and two months of silence.

“The controversy began at the end of 2023. In response to the Weekly Bunshun report, his agency initially took a strong stance, stating that there is nothing to be ashamed of in his actions, and declared he would continue his activities. However, they were unable to withstand the intense public backlash and sponsors’ refusal to associate, and just a few days later announced that he would refrain from entertainment activities for the time being, citing the confusion caused.

At first glance, it seemed like a sincere apology, but there were also doubts because it was unclear what exactly he was apologizing for. Ozawa spent his days confined at home, and at one point was reportedly so depressed that concerns about his retirement arose. Since then, his partner Jun Itoda (53) was forced to continue working solo,” said an entertainment industry insider.

The duo chose as their place of return the “La Mama Newcomer Comedy Contest,” held at the live house La.mama in Shibuya, Tokyo. Established in 1986 by Masayuki Watanabe (70), it is a sacred venue where Speedwagon once performed in 1999 when they had just moved to Tokyo.

On the day of the event, an unusual tension hung in the air around the venue. Just after 9 p.m., a black van quietly pulled up, and Ozawa stepped out, cautiously entering the venue while looking around. By his side was his partner Itoda, who has always supported him.

Meanwhile, the approximately 100 fans filling the venue were full of excitement. Tickets were sold out. When MC Watanabe announced, “They’re veterans, but there’s a duo who wanted to perform here,” and the two members of Speedwagon appeared, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.

Ozawa is making a move

Ozawa opened with, “Hello, we’re veterans,” joking as he took the stage. Their new routine, Class Reunion, boldly and provocatively poked fun at his own scandal.

When Itoda began with, “You’ve been away for quite a while,” Ozawa suddenly launched into the bit: “Jun, do you go to class reunions?” He layered jokes that turned his alleged role as an arranger on its head. He then added, “Everyone seemed down, and they said only Ozawa could cheer them up,” deliberately referencing the phrase posted on X by Hitoshi Matsumoto right after the scandal, which had caused a stir.

“When you’re told something like that. Ozawa is making a move.”

The moment he delivered the line with heavy irony, Itoda immediately cut him off, shouting, “You stay put. Don’t go!” The venue erupted in laughter and applause. They closed with their signature catchphrase, “Amaaaai!” leaving a strong impression of their comeback.

In the free talk after the performance, they also spoke about what happened behind the scenes over the past two years. Itoda revealed candidly that when he reunited with Ozawa for the first time in a while, “During his suspension, his hair had grown out, he wore a cap, and reading glasses—he looked like a completely different person.”

He also shared that two days before the show, when Ozawa asked, “Was my position on this side?” during rehearsal, Itoda retorted, “How could you forget that!” Despite the long break, they showed perfect comedic timing, delighting the audience. Watching over them, Masayuki Watanabe was moved to tears, saying, “It was proper manzai. I’m really glad.” He added emotionally, “Itoda waited properly too—he did well. It’s a good spring.”

However, it is clear that Ozawa’s path ahead will not be easy. During the live show, when fellow performer Pikotaro announced his appearance on Music Station (TV Asahi), Ozawa joked, “How do you get on TV?” Itoda immediately shot back, “You won’t be on for a while!” Though played for laughs, the exchange pointed to a harsh reality. A key network producer explains:

“Ozawa says he wants to seriously face manzai again and is trying to restart from the basics. However, what TV stations and sponsors want is an answer to the question: ‘What really happened with the arranging issue?’ Without a clear explanation, it won’t be easy to overcome the hurdle of appearing on public broadcast.”

After two years and two months, Ozawa has finally started moving again. Whether he can regain the support of television audiences remains to be seen. His road to a full comeback has only just begun.