In March 2025, Masatoshi Hamada, a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment duo Downtown, announced a temporary absence from his activities due to health issues. This development comes after a tumultuous year for the duo, particularly for his partner, Hitoshi Matsumoto, who had previously suspended his own activities due to legal troubles stemming from a report in the magazine Weekly Bunshun.
Last year, Matsumoto faced significant scrutiny after the magazine published allegations that prompted a lawsuit. Although the lawsuit was eventually withdrawn by mutual agreement, the fallout left both members of Downtown in a precarious position, with Matsumoto still not fully returning to the public eye.
Meanwhile, the entertainment landscape in Japan continues to evolve. Recently, the 'Okinawa International Movie Festival' has been rebranded as the 'Island Zenbu de O-Kina Festival Okinawa International Culture Festival,' which opened on April 5, 2025, at the Naha Cultural Arts Theater Naharuto in Okinawa. This festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity and showcase various artistic talents.
Taiki Okazaki, the former chairman of Yoshimoto Kogyo and the executive committee chairman of the festival, spoke to various media outlets, including Nikkan Sports, about the significance of the event and its connection to the upcoming 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo. He emphasized the importance of the expo, which is set to begin on April 13, 2025, and will feature a record 165 participating countries, the largest number in the history of the event.
Okazaki expressed hope that the expo would serve as a platform for Japan to address social issues while showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. "Japan is facing challenges such as an aging population and unprecedented natural disasters. I hope this expo can gather wisdom from around the world to help solve these pressing social issues," he stated.
In light of the recent developments surrounding Downtown, Okazaki also commented on Hamada's health. "He’s sensitive, so I think after a little rest, he’ll come back to his old self," he remarked, demonstrating a supportive stance towards his fellow entertainer. On the other hand, he addressed Matsumoto's situation, saying, "He needs to reflect on what went wrong, and it may take a bit more time, but how he can start from there is crucial. His resignation as an ambassador for the expo is unfortunate, but it was inevitable given the circumstances. He did something wrong."
The shift in focus towards the Okinawa festival and the Osaka/Kansai Expo highlights a broader narrative in Japan's entertainment and cultural sectors, particularly as they navigate the challenges posed by both health issues and public scrutiny. As the country prepares for the expo, the anticipation builds not only for the event itself but also for the future of its cultural ambassadors, including the members of Downtown.
With the expo just days away, the hope is that it will not only be a celebration of culture but also a catalyst for addressing some of Japan's pressing social issues. As Okazaki put it, "It would be great if the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo could become a turning point for solving social problems and inspire the younger generation to engage with these challenges."
As the entertainment community rallies around its members, the situation serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by public figures in Japan. With health concerns, legal battles, and public expectations all at play, the path forward remains uncertain for Hamada and Matsumoto. Yet, with support from their peers and fans, there is hope for a positive resolution and a bright future ahead.
