Masatoshi Hamada, one half of the famed Japanese comedy duo Downtown, is set to take a temporary break from his professional engagements due to health issues. Yoshimoto Kogyo, the agency representing Hamada, announced on March 10, 2025, through their official website, stating this decision is based on the advice of medical professionals.
Hamada, currently 61 years old, has been experiencing health problems since the end of the previous year. Following medical consultations, it was deemed necessary for him to rest. The agency’s announcement emphasized their commitment to prioritizing Hamada’s health, explaining, "関係者各位、ファンの皆様にはご心配とご迷惑をおかけいたしますが、浜田の体調回復を最優先とすることへのご理解と、引き続きダウンタウン、浜田へのご支援を賜りますよう、何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます." (translated: "We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience caused to all involved and fans, and we ask for your continued support for Hamada and Downtown as we prioritize his recovery.")
The announcement was made shortly after the agency confirmed there will be no hospitalization involved and they are keeping the details of his condition under wraps. Despite his current health setback, Hamada has been carrying the weight of various popular television shows solo since his partner Hitoshi Matsumoto announced his own hiatus from the entertainment scene back in January 2024.
Among the shows Hamada currently hosts are iconic programs such as "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!" and "Downtown DX." He has been juggling five regular television programs and three comedy broadcasts, demonstrating immense dedication to his craft over multiple decades, now spanning since their debut as a duo formed back in 1982.
His wife, Natsuki Ogawa, expressed her thoughts on his break via her blog, articulately noting, "主人は何十年もの間、走り続けてきました。疲れがたまっていても、体調を整える時間がほとんどなかったので、今回、休養を取ることができるのは、私も息子達もとても安心しております。またお茶の間に『結果発表～！』という元気な声が響く日まで、どうか温かく見守っていただけますと幸いです。" (translated: "My husband has been running continuously for decades. Even when fatigue has built up, he hardly had time to recover his health, so we are all very relieved he can take this break. Until the day we hear his energetic voice again, I kindly ask for your warm support.")
Following Hamada’s hiatus announcement, various television networks are beginning to address how to manage their programming without him. Nippon TV confirmed they will continue broadcasting "Gaki no Tsukai" through episodes already recorded up until April 20, 2025, and emphasized there will be no suspensions of the show during Hamada's absence.
TBS has also remarked they will air completed episodes of shows like "Hamada Utage ★ Oogami Shounen" and "Wednesday's Downtown" and are deliberative on how best to handle any future recordings amid Hamada’s temporary timeout. For programs such as "JUNK SPORTS," Fuji TV reiterated they will push forward with scheduled broadcasts of episodes filmed before Hamada's hiatus.
Yomiuri TV and ABC TV have committed to airing their anticipated episodes, also emphasizing content previously recorded will see no interruption.
With this unexpected turn of events, fans and colleagues alike are sending messages of support to Hamada, highlighting his significant contribution to Japanese comedy and television. Throughout his career, he has navigated the demanding entertainment industry with resilience, and this break endeavors to restore his health for future engagements.
Hamada’s absence from the stage is felt deeply, and the entertainment industry watches closely as he recuperates. Many hope to see him return energized and ready to engage with his audience once more—a voice of laughter and camaraderie.
The circumstances surrounding Hamada's health serve not only as concern for his well-being but also as poignant reminders of the pressures faced by entertainers. With the soft but overwhelming affection from the public, the hope is for Hamada's swift recovery, allowing him to reclaim his place at the heart of Japanese television.