It will be two years next month since Kazutaka Ozawa, 52, of the comedy duo Speedwagon, refrained from performing. Ozawa’ s self-restraint was triggered by allegations that Matsumoto Hitoshi (62) forced him to engage in sexual acts, as reported by the Weekly Bunshun in December 2011. In the series of reports, Ozawa was reported to have been an attendant at a drinking party hosted by Matsumoto, where he would gather women and invite them to his hotel. At first, Ozawa’s office commented that he had nothing to be ashamed of in his behavior, but afterwards, due to public outcry, Ozawa said, “I felt strongly responsible for the confusion and trouble I have caused to the people concerned and my fans,” and he has refrained from entertainment activities since January 2012. Later, in July this year, this magazine reported that Ozawa had enrolled in a correspondence course at Keio University in April. Ozawa, who this magazine witnessed, was intently looking at the English conversation-related book section of a bookstore. His return to show business, however, has yet to materialize. Some were hoping that he would make a comeback on “Downtown+,” which started in November of this year, but in the end Ozawa did not appear on the show. I think there is a small chance that he may come back in future live broadcasts, but I think there is still no sign of his return.
Ozawa’s “mah-jongg buddy” is a big-name celebrity.
Meanwhile, a “major celebrity” is said to be trying to help Ozawa’s resurrection. A source in the entertainment business who knows Ozawa reveals, “Akiko Wada (Akiko Wada) is a big celebrity. Akiko Wada (75). Akiko Wada, 75, is his junior at the same Horipro-related office, and Akko is said to be very concerned about his future. Akko-san is famous for drinking with a group called “Akko-kai,” which includes Tetsuro Degawa (61) and Shuwa Katsumata (60). In particular, Akko-san likes to play mahjong with her friends, and in fact, she and Ozawa-san are “mahjong friends. Because of this relationship, she has been fond of Ozawa since before the riot and has been kind enough to consult with him about his future activities. (TBS), Wada said, “(Ozawa) is really sick. He was seeing a doctor. I’ve caused trouble for other people, too. I went to the company (office) the other day and heard that Mr. Matsumoto is very concerned about the fact that he has suspended his activities. What exactly will his return to show business activities look like? I heard that it is difficult to coordinate with Ozawa about his return to “Downtown Plus” because his agency is different from that of Ozawa. One possible plan for his return is an appearance on “Akko ni Omakase! which will end in March next year. The program is scheduled to end in March of next year, and a plan to give Ozawa a “place to come back” before the program ends is said to be in the works. It will be a big topic of conversation right before the program ends, and Ozawa-san will be able to return to the show with peace of mind knowing that Akko-san is there. (A former entertainment industry insider).