Departures of note

Ken Izawa was a Japanese entertainment industry executive who founded the talent agency Izawa Office in 1979 after leaving Watanabe Productions, where he had served as manager of the hugely popular comedy group The Drifters. Under his leadership, The Drifters and singer Ayumi Ishida moved to his new agency, and he went on to scout and develop actor Kotaro Koizumi into a leading talent.

Beyond talent management, Izawa was a prolific television producer, creating and producing national variety programs including "Drifu Dai Bakuwarai," "Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV," "Shimura Ken no Baka-dono-sama," and "Shimura Ken no Daijoubu da." These shows became staples of Japanese television comedy for decades.

Izawa served as president of Izawa Office for many years before handing the role to his son in 2021 and becoming chairman. He died of chronic heart failure at age 90.