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July 24, 2026
 

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HITOSHI MATSUMOTO

The Tokyo District Court on Monday ordered publisher Kodansha and the chief editor of its weekly magazine Friday to pay ?2.2 million in damages to a comedian over defamatory reporting.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
Nov 25, 2025
Kodansha ordered to pay damages to comedian over defamatory reports
Comedian Sense Watanabe had sued Kodansha and its weekly magazine editor, claiming that a series of articles harmed his reputation.
The headquarters of Bungeishunju, Shukan Bunshun's publisher, in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
Nov 8, 2024
Comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto to withdraw Bungeishunju defamation suit
The lawsuit was filed over a Shukan Bunshun article that detailed sexual assault allegations made by two women.
Hitoshi Matsumoto
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
Mar 28, 2024
Comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto¡¯s defamation trial kicks off
Identities of two women accusing the comedian of forcing them into having sex, as reported by Shukan Bunshun, becomes the focus on Day 1.
According to Hitoshi Matsumoto¡¯s lawyer, he is suing Bungei Shunju, the publisher of the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine over an article that was published in the magazine and online on Dec. 27.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
Jan 23, 2024
Comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto sues publisher over sexual assault article
The Downtown member is suing Bungei Shunju, the publisher of the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine, for defamation.
Hitoshi Matsumoto (left) and his Downtown comedy partner, Masatoshi Hamada, at an event in 2014
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
Dec 27, 2023
Popular Japanese comedian denies sexual assault allegations
The talent agency of Hitoshi Matsumoto, one half of the duo Downtown, said it is considering legal action over the report.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / CLOSE-UP
Oct 5, 2013
Downtown comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto leans from TV to film
The Downtown comedy duo ¡ª comprising Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada ¡ª are sitting on a train speeding towards Narita Airport outside Tokyo. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re going anywhere, or doing anything, even ¡ª they¡¯re just sitting there and waiting for something to happen. ¡°Something¡± in this...
Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming
Apr 24, 2013
Yoshimoto seeks laughs and profit beyond Japan
Osaka-based Yoshimoto Kogyo, the giant talent agency that celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, has made an enduring business out of that fleeting phenomenon: laughter.
Japan Times
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / EXPLAINER
May 18, 2010
Yoshimoto Kogyo: Entertaining the nation
One would have to be a hermit, literally shut off from all media, to avoid exposure in Japan to the comedians and other entertainers managed by Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., the nation¡¯s oldest and arguably most powerful entertainment agency.
Japan scientists identify clusters of protein believed to trigger Alzheimer¡¯s disease
A team of researchers said they found a ¡°seed¡± that accelerates the amyloid beta accumulation process in the brain, naming it ¡°Peak 1 amyloid beta,¡± as seen in a mouse's brain.
Indian brothers make manga debut in Japan
Two Indian brothers made their manga debut in Japan with "Kung Fu Kung Fool" ¡ª an action-comedy series that follows the adventures of a notorious thief and a young boy.
Japan weighs regulating Pokemon cards amid trading mania
A Pokemon event is held in Jakarta on July 11
Low-income families in Japan cut food and air conditioning during summer break
Yumiko Watanabe, the chairperson of nonprofit Kidsdoor, explains the results of a survey in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 1.
Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role
Iranian drones are displayed in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Jan. 13, 2025.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Russia has ?provided targeting ?and other support for Iran in its drone strikes on U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region.
The sci-fi sensibilities of electronic trio Black Boboi
Black Boboi was formed in 2018 when solo artists Julia Shortreed, Utena Kobayashi and Ermhoi came together under Kobayashi¡¯s newly founded label, Bindividual.
A perfect storm: Kaze Fujii fans flock to Fuji Rock
Okayama-born singer-songwriter Kaze Fujii has carved out a distinctive place in Japanese pop since his major-label debut in 2019.
Can Japanese comedy get laughs in English? Yoshimoto Kogyo lets the jokes rip
Wes-P has millions of followers and his viral clips made him recognizable out of Japan.
The 180-day locals: Life on Japan¡¯s digital nomad visa
Christopher Flinn works remotely from Tokyo earlier this month. Japan issued 646 digital nomad visas in 2025, but tourism officials are hoping to increase that figure in the coming years, with Japan's relatively cheap cost of living and the weak yen seen as potential draws for young professionals.
Japan reveals hint of new defense spending target in fiscal blueprint
The Self-Defense Forces' Type 16 mobile combat vehicle fires during a joint live-fire drill with U.S. Marines as part of the annual Resolute Dragon exercises in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, on June 28.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan¡¯s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan¡¯s utility poles won¡¯t be disappearing anytime soon
By Alex K.T. Martin

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