In a remarkable turn of events, Takashi Kuruma, a member of the comedy duo Reiwa Roman, has announced his return to entertainment after a self-imposed hiatus stemming from an online casino scandal. The announcement came on April 28, 2025, during a live update on the duo's official YouTube channel, where Kuruma expressed his excitement about resuming his career.
Kuruma, who had been absent from the entertainment scene since February 2025, faced significant scrutiny after admitting to using online casinos. His troubles began when he uploaded an apology video on February 15, 2025, acknowledging his involvement in gambling activities and announcing his decision to step back from the limelight. Just days later, on February 19, he officially declared his self-imposed suspension from entertainment activities through a post on his X account.
In the recently released video, Kuruma described the circumstances surrounding the termination of his management contract with Yoshimoto Kogyo, the prominent talent agency he was signed with. He characterized his situation as "the first withdrawal & restoration in history," indicating the unprecedented nature of his case within the agency.
Yoshimoto Kogyo confirmed the termination of Kuruma's contract on the same day he announced his return, stating that it was a mutual decision made on April 28, 2025. The agency did not disclose specific reasons for the contract's termination but acknowledged the breakdown of trust due to Kuruma's earlier admission of gambling.
During the April 28 video, Kuruma reflected on the events that led to his hiatus, revealing that he had been lured into online gambling by a former university acquaintance at the end of 2019, continuing the activity for nearly a year without realizing its illegality. "I was deceived, and I didn't know it was illegal until it was too late," he explained.
Matsui Kemuri, Kuruma's comedy partner, also participated in the video and offered his apologies for the scandal. He joined Kuruma in expressing their commitment to continue their performances as Reiwa Roman, despite Kuruma's contract with Yoshimoto being terminated. Kemuri will remain affiliated with the agency and continue his career as a solo artist.
Kuruma shared that Yoshimoto Kogyo had been displeased with his February 15 video, which was published without the agency's approval. This breach of protocol reportedly contributed to the erosion of trust between Kuruma and the agency, leading to discussions about the termination of his contract. "They said they didn’t want me to do it, and since the relationship of trust was broken, they proposed to terminate the contract if I desired," Kuruma recounted.
Despite the challenges he faced, Kuruma expressed optimism about his future, stating that he is eager to return to performing live and participating in radio shows. "Now that I have the chance to restart, I want to focus on making people laugh again," he said during the announcement.
The recent developments come amidst broader scrutiny of online gambling activities involving Yoshimoto Kogyo's talent roster. On April 3, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Bureau reported sending papers to prosecutors regarding six entertainers suspected of gambling offenses, underscoring the ongoing issues surrounding the entertainment agency.
As Kuruma prepares to make his comeback, he and Kemuri are looking forward to revitalizing their comedy duo, which has garnered a following for their unique humor and engaging performances. The duo is expected to continue their activities under the name Reiwa Roman, with Kuruma's return marking a significant moment in their career.
In a statement, Yoshimoto Kogyo confirmed their ongoing support for Kemuri and reiterated that the comedy duo would continue to perform together. "We are pleased to announce that while Kuruma's management contract has ended, the duo will remain active and continue to entertain their fans," the company stated.
As the entertainment world watches closely, Kuruma's journey serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity culture, accountability, and the path to redemption. With his return, Kuruma aims to turn a new leaf and focus on his craft, hoping to regain the trust of his audience and colleagues.
The challenges he faced have undoubtedly shaped his perspective, and as he embarks on this new chapter, Kuruma's commitment to his art and desire to make people laugh will be at the forefront of his efforts.
In summary, Takashi Kuruma's comeback from a self-imposed hiatus due to online gambling allegations highlights both the personal and professional struggles faced by entertainers in today's society. With the support of his partner Matsui Kemuri and the continued backing of Yoshimoto Kogyo, Kuruma is set to make a fresh start, ready to entertain once more.
