Unleashing the Power of Television: The Rise of Matsuko Deluxe in Japan’s Entertainment Industry

Japan’s entertainment industry is a treasure trove of talent. Beyond the front-line stars, there exists a league of variety show hosts known for their sharp wit and spontaneous reactions. Icons such as Tamori and Akashiya Sanma have long been considered the elder statesmen of this realm. Others, like Hiroshi Yoshimura and Baka Rhythm, tread the path of biting sarcasm and dark humor. Among them, a towering figure dressed in feminine attire, Matsuko Deluxe, born in 1972, has carved out a unique niche, winning the affection of the masses.

Originally an editor for a LGBTQ magazine, Matsuko was no stranger to eloquent writing. This flair for the written word was evident in his essays during his editorial stint. Beyond the desk, Matsuko occasionally donned drag attire for Drag Queen events. A fateful moment in 2005 changed his trajectory: when a guest canceled on the TOKYO MX afternoon show “5時に夢中！”, the host, Masayuki Tokuoka, thought of Matsuko as a stand-in. The audience’s overwhelming response laid the foundation for Matsuko’s subsequent television journey.