Tegoshi Yuya, the former member of the popular boy band NEWS, made waves with his debut appearance on the renowned Japanese variety show Downtown DX on January 30, 2025. Surrounded by laughter and nostalgia, Tegoshi's return marks a significant moment following his departure from the entertainment scene due to past controversies.
During the episode, titled 'Celebrities as Real Friends: Private Life Exposed Special,' Tegoshi reunited with Masaharu Hamada, one of the show's hosts, whom he has known since childhood. Hamada celebrated the occasion with humor, saying, "It's been such a long time, right?" To which Tegoshi responded affectionately, "Yeah! It feels great to be back together after so long!" Their on-screen camaraderie rekindled fond memories of Tegoshi's early days when the Downtown duo helped launch his career.
Social media exploded with excitement as fans expressed their surprise and joy to witness Tegoshi's return. Comments flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with many users posting, "I can't believe Tegoshi is finally back on Downtown DX!" and "This is such exciting news for long-time fans!" The sense of nostalgia was palpable, creating buzz around the episode leading up to the airing.
The episode, which also featured guest appearances from various celebrities such as Shigeru Matsuzaki and Morita Tetsuya, showcased Tegoshi's life outside of the limelight. He provided viewers with insights during segments filmed at his home, which boasted unique decor and even showcased his extensive wine collection. Hamada humorously remarked, "That looks like something from a Korean drama!" reflecting on the opulence of Tegoshi's setup.
Tegoshi, who has been candid about his struggles during his time away from television, expressed gratitude during the episode. "I would not be here without the support from Matsuzaki-san and the Downtown team. They introduced me to the world, and it's heartwarming to see their kindness over the years," he shared sincerely.
Throughout the episode, Tegoshi shared personal anecdotes and insightful thoughts about friendship and growth, underscoring the show's theme. "Having real friends to share life with is incredibly important. It's not about being famous; it's about being connected emotionally and genuinely, which is what this show exemplifies," he stated.
The emotional highlight came when he discussed how impactful the show has been for him personally and professionally. "This show has shaped my identity as a performer and as Tegoshi Yuya. Coming back feels like returning home," he mused, eliciting applause and cheers from the studio audience.
Concluding the episode, Tegoshi expressed his hopes for the future and his desire to continue exploring opportunities within the entertainment industry. "I am grateful for every fan who stuck with me and supported my dreams. I look forward to what the future holds, and maybe share more of my music and life stories," he told viewers.
Tegoshi's debut on Downtown DX not only strengthens his connection with his fans but also refreshes his status within the entertainment industry, promising exciting developments for his career. Viewers are left with the feeling of anticipation, eagerly awaiting what Tegoshi Yuya will do next, now firmly back on the TV screen.