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Hitoshi Matsumoto and his childhood friend Masatoshi Hamada teamed up as comedy duo Downtown. When they had their own TV shows in late 80s, they became phenomenal pop culture among young Japanese people. Unlike other comedy duos in Japan, they are still together, and they dominate prime time TV shows in Japan. They are most notably famous for their yearly "batsu" TV special aired on New Years Eve from 18:30 - 00:00 that has been running for 10 consecutive years which gained a large following internationally via YouTube.

Masatoshi Hamada and his childhood friend Hitoshi Matsumoto teamed up as comedy duo Downtown. When they had their own TV shows in late 80s, they became phenomenal pop culture among young Japanese people. Unlike other comedy duos in Japan, they are still together, and they dominate prime time TV shows in Japan.

Hiroshi Morie was born on 22 January 1968 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was an actor, known for X Japan: Longing - Togireta Melody (1995), We Are X (2016) and Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ (1994). He died in October 2023 in Japan.

Asami Tano was born on 12 February 1987 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. She is an actress, known for One Piece (1999), Dream 9 Toriko x One Piece x Dragon Ball Z Super Collaboration Special!! (2013) and Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (2014).

Yuma Nakakita was born on 7 February 2004 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Dr. Chocolate (2023), &TEAM: Under the skin (2022) and &TEAM: Under the skin (Choreography Version) (2022).

Hideo Nishimaki was born on 25 July 1940 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is a director, known for Jetter Mars (1977), Astro Boy (1963) and Gatchaman (1972).

Ryô Matsuda was born on 13 September 1991 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider Gaim (2013), Kamen Rider Movie War Full Throttle: Kamen Rider vs. Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim (2014) and Kamen Rider Movie War the Fateful Sengoku Battle: Kamen Rider vs. Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard (2013).

Yoshiko Ôta was born on 25 April 1932 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. She was an actress, known for Super Electronic Bioman (1984), Doraemon (1979) and Doraemon (1973). She was married to Osamu Saka. She died on 29 October 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Shôta Matsushima was born on 26 December 1990 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider Drive (2014), Kamen Rider Movie War Full Throttle: Kamen Rider vs. Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim (2014) and Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future (2015).

Jôji Shimaki was born on 13 September 1946 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Black Rain (1989), Mind Game (2004) and Koko ni irukoto (2001).

Hachirô Oka was born in Amagasaki in the Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He is a comedy entertainer turned actor. He is notable for his comic roles and varied character performances. In 1960 he formed a comedy duo with Shiro Amakusa. He performed stand-up comedy and short sketches. He became a character actor for Toei Studios in the 60s often playing minor villains or farcical comedic characters. He appeared in the emerging 'pinky violence' and exploitation style of films popular in the 60s and 70s such as: 'Confessions of Lady Mantis ', 'Sex and Fury' and the 'Lady Boss (Sukeban)' films. One of his last big roles was in the Takashi Miike film 'Osaka Tough Guys'. He suffered from many health problems. In 1993 he contracted gastric cancer which he managed to overcome after medication and a recovery process. He was also an alcoholic for many years - this was overcome with help from his family. In 1995 he developed acute pancreatitis. He suffered a brain concussion in 1996, which made it difficult for him to remember his lines - this was a factor in his decision to retire from both comedy and acting. In 2005 he died in an Amagasaki hospital from pneumonia and respiratory problems. He has a big fan base in Japan and his comedy routines are regarded as classic by many followers.

Ryôhei Nakao was born on 24 July 1980 in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He is an actor, known for Dynasty Warriors 8 (2013), Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires (2006) and Dynasty Warriors 5: Xtreme Legends (2005).

Kamui Kobayashi was born on 13 September 1986 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.

Ramo Nakajima was born on 3 April 1952 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was a writer and actor, known for Lie lie Lie (1997), Nezu no ban (2005) and Ramo Trip (2012). He died on 26 July 2004 in Kobe, Japan.

Ritsu Doan was born on 16 June 1998 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.

Tatsuo Inoue was born on 8 November 1941 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was an actor, known for 0.5 mm (2014), Nichiyô owarai gekijô (1962) and Welcome! (2009). He died on 5 October 2016 in Nishinomiya, Hyôgo, Japan.

Seijin Noborikawa was born on 12 November 1930 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was an actor, known for Hotel Hibiscus (2002) and Nabbie's Love (1999). He died on 19 March 2013 in Okinawa-ken, Okinawa, Japan.

Ayumi Karino was born on 6 November 1984 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.

Ai Ohkawa was born on 17 July 1993 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. She is an actress, known for Ouran High School Host Club (2011), The Flying Publicist (2013) and Otona joshikai (2016).

Kôjin Karatani was born on 16 August 1941 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.