Hideaki Takizawa Continues to Draw Attention at TOBE Events With His Presence and Demeanor

His posture at an event for affiliated artists becomes a topic of conversation

Hideaki Takizawa (44), who retired from performing in 2018 and established the talent agency TOBE in 2023, where he serves as representative director, has recently had very limited public appearances. However, it is said that he recently appeared confidently at an event venue for his affiliated artists, surprising fans.

“Mr. Takizawa often attends concerts of TOBE artists, and even after retiring from the entertainment industry, he has occasionally been spotted by some fans. However, when performers ride on moving carts during concerts, if he was in a position where the lighting would hit him, he would temporarily leave the venue, showing consideration.

Also, when a video filmed by fans showed him during the movement of the TOBE group ‘IMP.’ on an overseas job, it became a topic on social media. Even when disguised with sunglasses and a mask, his aura makes him recognizable,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

It is said that Takizawa appeared at the release event of TOBE’s seven-member group “CLASS SEVEN.” They held a release event for their second single, “Kokoro ni Kisu o Shita,” on April 11–12 at the Shin-Toshi Hall in Yokohama, Kanagawa.

Although the product was released on the 6th, pre-orders were accepted on the TOBE OFFICIAL STORE, and some items included tickets for the release event. With one of these tickets, fans could attend the venue and shake hands once with all seven members per ticket.

A fan who attended the event described what happened:

“There was also a CD sales booth at the venue, and if you bought eligible CDs, you could get a participation ticket. Even after they ran out of tickets, people who still wanted to shake hands with the members were buying more CDs on-site.

Near the end of the event on the 11th, when I looked toward the CD sales booth, I saw the company president, Takki, standing there. He was wearing black sunglasses, but I could see him smiling as he responded to fans who purchased CDs.”

Was CLASS SEVEN at the event also attracting fans because of President Takizawa!?

CLASS SEVEN debuted last year on July 7 with the digital release of “miss you.” In October of the same year, with the release of the single version of “miss you,” they held their first special event (handshake event).

“At that venue as well, some people reportedly spotted Takki,” said the aforementioned fan. However, SNS users expressed surprise that he was directly interacting with visitors at the CD sales booth this time.

“After I bought additional CDs, the president smiled and looked at me.”
“At the end, it turned into Takki’s release event at the CD booth (laughs). I never thought I’d get to talk to the boss.”
“I was able to talk to Takki twice. When I thanked him directly, he smiled kindly and bowed.”
“Boss was at the goods exit! At other events he used to just pass fans by, but today he said thank you, so it basically became Takki’s send-off event. It was my first time facing him that close.”

As shown by multiple posts like these, it seems some people even exchanged words with Takizawa himself.

“Inside the venue there were displays of costumes and panels, and that area allowed photography. Staff repeatedly announced things like, ‘Please refrain from taking photos outside designated photo spots,’ so I thought they were being very strict… but right nearby, several female fans were gathered.

Looking in that direction, Takki was in the CD sales booth thanking customers who made purchases,” said a fan who attended the event.

Since establishing TOBE, it is said that Takizawa’s fans continue to support him by buying CDs of his affiliated artists. These dedicated fans may have been visiting CLASS SEVEN’s handshake event partly to support “Takki.” The fan also shared an impressive scene:

“During the time I was there, it wasn’t like people rushed to buy CDs just because Takki was there. Rather, there were many fans quietly watching him from a distance. There was a group of at least 20–30 people gathered in a spot where they could see him.

Maybe they didn’t want to disturb him, so they weren’t making a fuss, just quietly sending warm gazes. Even though he’s retired, Takki’s fans are really well-disciplined—I was impressed.”

Takizawa, who retired with regret from many fans and moved behind the scenes, still appears to be deeply loved and supported by many.