It was revealed on December 28th that Hamaguchi Masaru of the comedy duo "Yoiko" will be leaving his agency Shochiku Geino on December 31st. He announced this on his Instagram, and his partner Arino Shinya will continue to be affiliated with Shochiku Geino as before and will continue his activities as a member of Yoiko.
Along with a photo of him with his arm around Arino and making a peace sign, Hamaguchi wrote, "I, Hamaguchi Masaru, would like to announce that I will be leaving Shochiku Entertainment, where I have been affiliated for 34 years, on December 31st, 2024, on good terms."
He also revealed, "Yoiko will be celebrating its 35th anniversary next year. We're talking about doing a lot of interesting things. We will continue to be good friends in the future. My wife is smiling and cheering me on, saying 'Do your best' in response to the photo of the two of us friendly old men."
◇ Comment from Masaru Hamaguchi (original text)
I, Hamaguchi Masaru, would like to announce that I will be leaving Shochiku Entertainment, where I have been affiliated for 34 years, on December 31, 2024. When I left the company, everyone sent me off with kind words as I embarked on my new journey. Thank you to all the managers.
I have been able to work hard for 34 years in the entertainment industry thanks to all the people involved and staff, and above all, everyone who supports me.
Yoiko will be celebrating their 35th anniversary next year. We are talking about how we hope to do many interesting things. We will continue to be good friends in the future. My wife is cheering us on with a smile, saying "Good luck" in the photo of the two good friends.
We appreciate your continued support.
Yoiko Hamaguchi Masaru
