Masatoshi Hamada

Comedian Yoshimasa Iwahashi accused a producer close to Hamada of behaviour he described as power harassment and claimed that Hamada had sometimes been present, laughed or failed to intervene. The case fuelled a public dispute with Yoshimoto and debate about power relations in entertainment.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Legal status — source text

No judicial finding establishing Hamada's responsibility in the cited sources

A segment of Hamada Kayosai showing Hamada putting voice actress Ai Furihata in a headlock drew online criticism, including outside Japan, concerning violence and the limits of comedy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

FRIDAY published an account by a woman who said she had had a "papa-katsu"-type relationship with Hamada in 2018–2019 and alleged, among other things, unwanted touching and intercourse without a condom. These elements are retained solely as published allegations, not judicially established facts.

Hamada appeared with his face painted black to imitate Eddie Murphy on a New Year's variety show. The segment drew criticism in Japan and abroad concerning racism, representation and the history of blackface.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

Following the disclosure of an extramarital affair with gravure idol Maiko Kikkawa, Hamada issued an apology and acknowledged having overstepped boundaries, in a case extensively covered by Japanese media.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

A segment of Dangan! Heroes in which Hamada slapped participants prompted complaints to Japan's broadcasting ethics organisation. ABC acknowledged that its checks had been insufficient and discontinued the segment.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings