 Downtown's Hitoshi Matsumoto has announced that he is suspending his entertainment activities in order to focus on his trial. It is only a matter of time before he disappears from TV, but some people believe that he "made a mistake in his initial response" due to the "request" from the TV station. ......

TV Station Pressures Matsumoto to Fully Deny Scandal Due to Initial Mistake

 Kazuhiko Nakamura (1st Hirano), Yusuke Kondo (1st Kishi), Ippei Hara (1st Jinguji)

 The first single "GOAT" by Nunber_i, a group consisting of Hirano, Kishi, and Jinguji from TOBE, will be released on CD on March 6. The song, which has already been a big hit in distribution, is attracting attention as to how close it will come to the success of KINPRISE.

Number_i&#8217;s Debut Single vs. Last Year&#8217;s No. 1 Kinpuri: CD Sales Showdown

 Takao Kawakami, Tetsuko Takemoto (2nd and 3rd photos), Yasuko Sakaguchi, Keisuke Nishi, Shu Nishihara

 The Hitoshi Matsumoto problem is having a ripple effect on junior comedians as well. In particular, past comments made by Koji Imada, who is said to be a direct junior comedian, are being spread on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). The shocking contents can be found at .......

Koji Imada Faces Criticism for Past Remarks Despite High Praise for  Gentlemanly Conduct

 Kojiro Yamada (Hamada), Yoshio Tsunoda/Afro (Iwahashi)

 Following the "sexual scandal" of "Downtown" Hitoshi Matsumoto, a power harassment problem has surfaced in the vicinity of his partner Masanori Hamada. The accusation was made by a junior comedian, Iwahashi of "Plus Minus" fame, and the shocking contents of the accusation are available at .......

Iwahashi Alleges Power Harassment by Masatoshi Hamada&#8217;s Aide

 Keisuke Nishi

 After retiring from show business due to the tapioca scandal and allegations of infidelity, Yukina Kinoshita has been active mainly on social networking sites and is now back on TV as the "strongest ordinary person," but now that her live-in boyfriend has moved to a Korean soccer team, she is in a panic. ...

Yukina Kinoshita Faces Solo Parenting Amid Relationship Turmoil

 Ippei Hara

 Hitoshi Matsumoto has announced that he is suspending his activities following a series of allegations of sexual assault. While the response of the regular programs is being finalized, the names of "big-name comedians" are reportedly being mentioned one after another as possible replacements. What are the candidates? ......

Higashino and Yahagi Take Center Stage, as Big Names Steal the Spotlight in Matsumoto&#8217;s Absence

 Toshihiro Nakaikawa (1st, 3rd, and 4th photos), Shoichiro Tsuboi (2nd photo)

 In this issue of Playback, we look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In this issue, we introduce Takako Zenba, then an NHK announcer, on a date and a direct interview with her, which appeared in the January 9 and 16, 2004 issues.

Playback &#8217;04] &#8220;Hmph&#8221; and a snicker&#8230; Who Takako Zenba had a &#8220;Christmas date&#8221; with when she was on NHK.

 Writer, editor, interviewer. Started writing when he was a student, and currently writes mainly entertainment articles and interviews for websites and magazines.

 Satoru Ota

 50 Years of Japanese Idols #2 - The Emperor, then Crown Prince, also attended the concert!

 April 1, 1980. On April 1, 1980, one of the most important figures in the history of Japanese idols made his debut. Everyone probably thinks of Seiko Matsuda. The year of her birth, 1980, is an epoch in the history of idols.

Seiko Matsuda, Akina Nakamori, Kyoko Koizumi&#8230; Legends in abundance! The golden age of idols has arrived!

 Sota Shima (Kusanagi), Ippei Hara (Inagaki), Shu Nishihara (Katori), Naoki Shimizu (Matsumoto)

 Yumiko Shigeoka, who was a director of "SMILE UP.", left the company at the end of December last year. Rumors of the transfer of Ms. Shigeoka, who was a "bridge" between the company and the TV station, have already surfaced. Depending on where he transfers to, there may be a new phase...

Female director of former Johnny&#8217;s&#8217;s office leaves the company&#8230; and moves to &#8220;CULEN&#8221; of &#8220;New Map&#8221;! Trends of concern

 Yasuko Sakaguchi

 Downtown's Hitoshi Matsumoto has been hit by "two arrows" and "three arrows" from Bunshun as accusers appear one after another. Yoshimoto Kogyo, the company that was supposed to protect him, has begun to change. ......

The &#8220;Initial Mistake&#8221; of Yoshimoto and the &#8220;Careful Preparation&#8221; of the &#8220;Long Interview&#8221; on the Hitoshi Matsumoto Issue.

 Toshihiro Nakaikawa (1st and 2nd), Kojiro Yamada (3rd and 5th), Junsei Todoroki (4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th)

 There is a subtle difference in the comments made by junior comedians who are extremely close to Matsumoto, junior comedians who are close to Matsumoto, and celebrities who are close to Matsumoto. Why on earth is this?　It seems to have something to do with the difference in the way Matsumoto treats them... ....

The difference in &#8220;defensive remarks&#8221; by junior comedians and entertainers reveals the habit of Hitoshi Matsumoto: &#8220;He changes his attitude depending on the person he&#8217;s talking to.

 He is involved in program production in a wide range of genres, including variety, news, and sports programs. He has also planned and published numerous books on female TV announcers, idols, and the TV industry. While working on documentary programs, he became interested in history and recently published "Ieyasu was dead in Sekigahara" (Takeshobo Shinsho). He has also published the e-book series "Ibun chakurezuregusa" (Different Stories about Craftsmen).<br />
<br /> <br /><br />


 Ukon Shima (Broadcaster and video producer)

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 Fuji Television, the original creator of "O-oku", started the drama series "O-oku" in January. Fuka Koshiba plays the lead role. ......

NHK and TBS are also involved&#8230;&#8221; Fuji Television&#8217;s &#8220;O-oku&#8221; is a &#8220;typical&#8221; love-hate drama with Koshiba Kazuka, who is expected to play the main character in the three-way &#8220;O-oku.

 Kumiko Kato

 The Japan Race Queen Awards 2023 was held at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January, and the grand prix went to Ran Matsuda, who boasts an outstandingly proportioned body. After the award ceremony, she shared her joy with this magazine.

At the top with her overwhelming style! Fans rejoice at the &#8220;shining beautiful body&#8221; of the grand prix winner of the &#8220;Japan Race Queen Awards&#8221;!

 Hisano Kobayashi/Hisano Kobayashi writes essays and columns, edits, writes, and works as a promoter. She is the author of "Kekkon to nakonoshikanai Uruwashikana Jinsei" (KK Bestsellers), "45 cm no Distance: About Human Relations in a World with More Functions to Connect" (WAVE Publishing), and "Best of Heisei Drama! (Seishun Shuppansha). Born in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

 Hisano Kobayashi

 Since the beginning of the year, Japan has been hit by a series of news stories that make one want to cover one's eyes. To push back the situation, there are Ammika and Norika Fujiwara, who are always sprinkling an aura of smiles on the faces of the people.

Positive aura in full bloom!　Ammika and Norika Fujiwara, who brighten up Japan, have too much in common.

 Downtown's Hitoshi Matsumoto is being accused of sexual assault by women one after another. Following this, the entertainment industry is likely to develop into a "MeToo" movement in which people confess their own victimization. ......

It&#8217;s not just Hitoshi Matsumoto! Now a former actress is accused of &#8220;drug and sexual assault allegations&#8221; and the &#8220;#MeToo dominoes in the entertainment industry&#8221; are in full swing.

 Shinji Hasuo (2nd, 3rd), Yusuke Kondo (4th), Shinji Sakamoto (5th), Kazuhiko Nakamura (6th)

 Matsumoto Jun's "no work schedule" is also a source of concern for fans.

 It has been announced that "SHOW Channel," in which Sho Sakurai of "Arashi" fame serves as MC, will end in March, and "Arashi programs" are in danger of disappearing. On the other hand, Matsujun is also reported to be out of work, and fans are waiting for bright news about "Arashi. ......

The end of &#8220;SHOW Channel&#8221; and &#8220;Ki7 ◎× Club&#8221; announced&#8230; The crisis of the &#8220;disappearance&#8221; of Arashi&#8217;s programs has increased the longing for a &#8220;reunion&#8221;.

 Aika Kanda

 No.39] Me, Pink, and Sometimes New York

 Aika Kanda says that "handing out souvenirs" also requires a good sense of how to distribute them. When she visited New York for the New Year's holiday, she was looking for souvenirs for the staff of "Poka Poka" when she found something that "jumped out at her"! I found something that caught my attention! What did she buy that caught the attention of tourists?

Freelance Announcer Aika Kanda Treats 150 People with Exclusive Souvenir Giveaway

 Writer, editor, interviewer. He has been a writer since his student days and currently writes mainly entertainment articles and interviews for websites and magazines.

 Comedians, rock bands, and idols perform on the same stage in so-called "face-off" events. What is the reason for the high affinity between the different genres of performance?

Comedians and Idols Collide: Exploring the Genre-Crossing Face Off with Underground Icons

 Kazuhiko Nakamura (1st), Shuntaro Abe (2nd), Takeo Shibata (3rd), Mayumi Morita (4th), Yusuke Kondo (5th)

 Miki Mizuno, who plays a peculiar lawyer in the drama "The Man Who Wouldn't Get a Divorce," which started on March 20, has been attracting attention for her "bizarre" performance. Mizuno, who has been in demand for her unique supporting roles in recent years, says that one of her roles marked a "turning point" for her.

Miki Mizuno Known for Her Role as a Lawyer in “The Man Who Wouldn’t Divorce”, Surprises as a Superb Actress in Remarkable Rebirth

 The comments made by the presidents of ABC TV and Yomiuri TV, triggered by entertainment reporter Kaoru Shimada's comments about Hitoshi Matsumoto on ABC TV's "News Welcome" on January 12, have come under fire. What is the situation faced by TV stations in Osaka?

Speculating on Hitoshi Matsumoto’s Return: Osaka TV Stations Dare to Make Ambiguous Comments Amid Scandal

 (4th and after) Makoto Kuwata, Toshihiro Nakaikawa, Kojiro Yamada, Junsei Todoroki

 Hitoshi Matsumoto of "Downtown" has suspended his activities due to a sex-abuse report by "Weekly Bunshun". While his future is attracting a lot of attention, this magazine obtained a certain photo. It is none other than Matsumoto with a woman on top of him with an ecstatic expression on her face.

Matsuda Hitoshi&#8217;s Exclusive Wild Drinking Party Photos

 Downtown's Matsumoto Hitoshi has decided to go to trial for the reported sexual scandal, claiming that it had no basis in fact. Yoshimoto Kogyo, the company he belongs to, was thought to be one and the same with him. ......

Yoshimoto Kogyo&#8217;s Controversial Matsumoto Hitoshi Announcement Sparks Backlash

 Shinji Hamasaki

 In their first year, they made it to the finals of "THE W 2023! Their tongue-in-cheek comedy with a yankee-like tsukkomi and a lady-like blabbermouth is addictive!

 Harukaze ni Konnaigu" made it to the finals of "THE W 2023" in their first year of performing. Their tongue-in-cheek comic style, in which a yankee-like comedian and a young lady-like boor weave together, has attracted a number of "addicts"! We take a closer look at the true faces of these two, who create a unique atmosphere!

2024&#8217;s Standout Comedy Duo Exclusive Revelation: Why Harukaze ni Konnaigu Is Set to Dominate Sales This Year

 Sono Aida

 Since the new coronavirus broke out in 2008, the "M-1 Grand Prix" has been won by Tokyo-based comedians such as "Reiwa Roman" for four consecutive years. We are hoping for a comeback from the Osaka comedians, but the situation is not looking good...

Entertainment

TV Station Pressures Matsumoto to Fully Deny Scandal Due to Initial Mistake

Number_i’s Debut Single vs. Last Year’s No. 1 Kinpuri: CD Sales Showdown

Koji Imada Faces Criticism for Past Remarks Despite High Praise for Gentlemanly Conduct

Iwahashi Alleges Power Harassment by Masatoshi Hamada’s Aide

Yukina Kinoshita Faces Solo Parenting Amid Relationship Turmoil

Higashino and Yahagi Take Center Stage, as Big Names Steal the Spotlight in Matsumoto’s Absence

Playback ’04] “Hmph” and a snicker… Who Takako Zenba had a “Christmas date” with when she was on NHK.

Seiko Matsuda, Akina Nakamori, Kyoko Koizumi… Legends in abundance! The golden age of idols has arrived!

Female director of former Johnny’s’s office leaves the company… and moves to “CULEN” of “New Map”! Trends of concern

The “Initial Mistake” of Yoshimoto and the “Careful Preparation” of the “Long Interview” on the Hitoshi Matsumoto Issue.

The difference in “defensive remarks” by junior comedians and entertainers reveals the habit of Hitoshi Matsumoto: “He changes his attitude depending on the person he’s talking to.

NHK and TBS are also involved…” Fuji Television’s “O-oku” is a “typical” love-hate drama with Koshiba Kazuka, who is expected to play the main character in the three-way “O-oku.

At the top with her overwhelming style! Fans rejoice at the “shining beautiful body” of the grand prix winner of the “Japan Race Queen Awards”!

Positive aura in full bloom!　Ammika and Norika Fujiwara, who brighten up Japan, have too much in common.

It’s not just Hitoshi Matsumoto! Now a former actress is accused of “drug and sexual assault allegations” and the “#MeToo dominoes in the entertainment industry” are in full swing.

The end of “SHOW Channel” and “Ki7 ◎× Club” announced… The crisis of the “disappearance” of Arashi’s programs has increased the longing for a “reunion”.

Freelance Announcer Aika Kanda Treats 150 People with Exclusive Souvenir Giveaway

Comedians and Idols Collide: Exploring the Genre-Crossing Face Off with Underground Icons

Miki Mizuno Known for Her Role as a Lawyer in “The Man Who Wouldn’t Divorce”, Surprises as a Superb Actress in Remarkable Rebirth

Speculating on Hitoshi Matsumoto’s Return: Osaka TV Stations Dare to Make Ambiguous Comments Amid Scandal

Matsuda Hitoshi’s Exclusive Wild Drinking Party Photos

Yoshimoto Kogyo’s Controversial Matsumoto Hitoshi Announcement Sparks Backlash

2024’s Standout Comedy Duo Exclusive Revelation: Why Harukaze ni Konnaigu Is Set to Dominate Sales This Year

Osaka Comedians Drift from M-1 Victory Amidst Comedy Dynamics and TV Stations Circumstances

Entertainment

TV Station Pressures Matsumoto to Fully Deny Scandal Due to Initial Mistake

Number_i’s Debut Single vs. Last Year’s No. 1 Kinpuri: CD Sales Showdown

Koji Imada Faces Criticism for Past Remarks Despite High Praise for Gentlemanly Conduct

Iwahashi Alleges Power Harassment by Masatoshi Hamada’s Aide

Yukina Kinoshita Faces Solo Parenting Amid Relationship Turmoil

Higashino and Yahagi Take Center Stage, as Big Names Steal the Spotlight in Matsumoto’s Absence

Playback ’04] “Hmph” and a snicker… Who Takako Zenba had a “Christmas date” with when she was on NHK.

Seiko Matsuda, Akina Nakamori, Kyoko Koizumi… Legends in abundance! The golden age of idols has arrived!

Female director of former Johnny’s’s office leaves the company… and moves to “CULEN” of “New Map”! Trends of concern

The “Initial Mistake” of Yoshimoto and the “Careful Preparation” of the “Long Interview” on the Hitoshi Matsumoto Issue.

The difference in “defensive remarks” by junior comedians and entertainers reveals the habit of Hitoshi Matsumoto: “He changes his attitude depending on the person he’s talking to.

NHK and TBS are also involved…” Fuji Television’s “O-oku” is a “typical” love-hate drama with Koshiba Kazuka, who is expected to play the main character in the three-way “O-oku.

At the top with her overwhelming style! Fans rejoice at the “shining beautiful body” of the grand prix winner of the “Japan Race Queen Awards”!

Positive aura in full bloom! Ammika and Norika Fujiwara, who brighten up Japan, have too much in common.

It’s not just Hitoshi Matsumoto! Now a former actress is accused of “drug and sexual assault allegations” and the “#MeToo dominoes in the entertainment industry” are in full swing.

The end of “SHOW Channel” and “Ki7 ◎× Club” announced… The crisis of the “disappearance” of Arashi’s programs has increased the longing for a “reunion”.

Freelance Announcer Aika Kanda Treats 150 People with Exclusive Souvenir Giveaway

Comedians and Idols Collide: Exploring the Genre-Crossing Face Off with Underground Icons

Miki Mizuno Known for Her Role as a Lawyer in “The Man Who Wouldn’t Divorce”, Surprises as a Superb Actress in Remarkable Rebirth

Speculating on Hitoshi Matsumoto’s Return: Osaka TV Stations Dare to Make Ambiguous Comments Amid Scandal

Matsuda Hitoshi’s Exclusive Wild Drinking Party Photos

Yoshimoto Kogyo’s Controversial Matsumoto Hitoshi Announcement Sparks Backlash

2024’s Standout Comedy Duo Exclusive Revelation: Why Harukaze ni Konnaigu Is Set to Dominate Sales This Year

Osaka Comedians Drift from M-1 Victory Amidst Comedy Dynamics and TV Stations Circumstances

Positive aura in full bloom!　Ammika and Norika Fujiwara, who brighten up Japan, have too much in common.