The paid streaming service "DOWNTOWN+" by the comedy duo "Downtown" launched on November 1st. Matsumoto Hitoshi, who had been on hiatus from show business, conducted a live stream, marking his return to show business for the first time in about a year and ten months.
When Matsumoto appeared in the studio, members who had been invited by lottery erupted in loud applause and cheers of "Welcome back!" Matsumoto, who appeared overwhelmed by the endless applause and cheers, commented, "Matsumoto has made a move." He declared, "I heard that comedy in Japan is struggling, so I've decided to make a comeback. I hope you'll support me."
Matsumoto revealed how he felt over the past two years, saying, "There were a lot of people who were waiting, and I stopped everyone's time. I dragged a lot of my fellow comedians and juniors into it. I think I caused a lot of trouble to the TV staff, and I can't cause any more trouble. That's why I created this opportunity. I think I've created a platform that will allow many people like that to appear. Right now, I'm grateful."
It was announced that Matsumoto will continue to broadcast live once a month. The venue was filled with laughter from start to finish, and the approximately one-hour live broadcast ended.
After the live broadcast ended, Matsumoto's original content "Fruitless Stories," "Ogiri Grand Prix," "7:3 Talk," and "Downbeat Voice" were shown, as well as a collection of talks from his past works on "Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!" (Nippon Television), and four films: "Dai Nipponjin," "Shinboru," "Saya Samurai," and "R100."
On November 3rd, "Visual Bum Vol. Ringo" and a video of Matsumoto's comments will be streamed, as well as past episodes of "Fukuoka Hitoshi" (Fukuoka Broadcasting System) and a talk collection of "Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!". On November 5th and 7th, original content "Money is Time" and "Shonin no Warai" will be released, respectively. Past episodes will be released every Monday, and original content will be released on Wednesdays and Fridays thereafter.
