On March 10, 2025, Hamada Masatoshi, one-half of the popular comedy duo Downtown, announced he would be taking a temporary leave due to health issues. The announcement, made through the official website of Yoshimoto Kogyo, sent ripples through the entertainment community and raised questions about the upcoming Gobugobu Festival 2025, where Hamada serves as CEO.
The festival is still scheduled to take place on May 10 and 11 at Expo Memorial Park in Osaka. According to Yoshimoto Kogyo, "Hamada Masatoshi CEO's temporary leave was announced today (March 10) on the Yoshimoto Kogyo corporation website." The organization expressed their sentiments wishing for Hamada's steady recovery and affirmed their commitment to holding the festival as planned.
Hamada's wife, Ogawa Naho, shared her thoughts through social media, stating, "I think we just want him to take it slow." This heartfelt message highlights the supportive environment surrounding Hamada as he navigates this challenging time.
The Gobugobu Festival, which originated from Hamada's idea on his local variety show where he casually mentioned, "Let's hold our own festival," has blossomed since its inaugural event last year. The festival invites not only fans but also various artists to join together for two days of entertainment and joy.
The official website for the festival assured fans: "We wish for the steady recovery of CEO Hamada Masatoshi and will move forward responsibly with the Gobugobu Festival 2025 as planned on May 10 (Saturday) and 11 (Sunday)." This statement was coupled with enthusiasm from the festival staff, who are committed to making the event memorable, regardless of Hamada's absence.
Fans and festival-goers can look forward to performances not only from Hamada but also from his son, Okamoto Hama of the band OKAMOTO'S, who was scheduled to join him on stage. This family aspect adds depth to the festival and is sure to resonate with attendees familiar with their dynamic.
Moving forward, the Gobugobu Festival team has pledged to bring viewers and attendees the full experience, ensuring Hamada's legacy and spirit will shine through at the event. They emphasized their dedication to delivering what they branded as "a festival infused with Hamada's energy” and noted their preparations will reflect his vision more than ever.
The humor and camaraderie typical of Downtown have previously set the tone for the festival, making the planned events particularly exciting. The commitment from both the artists and the fans to support Hamada during his recovery period will only amplify the experience for everyone involved.
Information about the Gobugobu Festival 2025 will be regularly updated on its official website and social media channels, as the team continues to keep the public informed about the preparations.
To solidify this year’s lineup, audiences are being invited to come together to enjoy what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the festival, scheduled for the weekend of May 10 and 11. The staff is eager to welcome attendees and provide the same warmth and enjoyment, reflecting Hamada's vision.
The Gobugobu Festival is more than just music; it's about community, support, and ensuring every voice is heard. Attendees can expect to see performances from various artists and enjoy the festival atmosphere they collectively create, still echoing Hamada's legacy throughout.
Fans are encouraged to rally together and support one another as they prepare for the festival, creating an environment of shared joy and anticipation, even as the community reflects on Hamada's health and future contributions.
With July brought lows and triumphs, spirits remain high. The countdown to the Gobugobu Festival 2025 is officially on, and all eyes are now on Osaka for what is set to be not just another music festival, but rather, a celebration of resilience and familial connection.