On March 4, 2025, comedian Ayano Burma made waves on Japanese television when she appeared on Nippon Television's popular show, 'Odoroki! Sanma Palace!! 2-Hour SP.' The 38-year-old actress from Mitaka City revealed several poignant and humorous stories from her life, captivating audiences with her disclosures about her upbringing and encounters with celebrity. During the show, which had the theme of local battles between Saitama, Chiba, and Mitaka, Burma recounted challenges she faced growing up and some unexpected celebrity encounters.
Burma began by discussing the local real estate dynamics of Mitaka, explaining how it has both expensive housing and consistent urban development initiatives. "Mitaka City is slightly expensive, but they have been working on city development to make it more livable," she explained. The comedian added, "There is even highway construction. Unfortunately, during this process, my family lost half of our house due to land readjustment," she said, referencing the heartbreaking impact of urban development.
This construction led to the shocking transformation of her family’s home from four bedrooms (4LDK) to just two (2K). The audience reacted with surprise, which included the host, Akashiya Sanma, who jokingly asked, "Did you use a cutter to cut the house?" Burma replied lightheartedly, confirming the drastic change and stating, "It was cut down so much, we had to deal with it like this." Her family was forced to sell half of the house to accommodate the development, prompting her to rebuild and continue living there.
She joked about her house's nickname, saying, "The neighbors now call our home 'Castella,'" which brought laughter from the studio audience. This combination of humor and somber realities painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by families during urban expansions.
Alongside discussing her home situation, Burma also shared an unbelievable encounter from her high school days. Reflecting on nature and local wildlife, she recounted, "Back in June 2012, about 30 squirrels escaped from the nearby park due to a typhoon, and when they were caught, surprisingly, we found there were actually 38 squirrels!" She emphasized the area’s rich biodiversity, saying, "The Sanma region is so green it can sustain wild squirrels. That was really eye-opening for everyone!"
Next, Burma recounted one of her most thrilling moments: finding herself face-to-face with a large snake blocking her path one day during her walk. "I was just walking down the road when suddenly, there was this massive snake, blocking the way; I had never seen one so big!" she said. At the moment of panic, she waited for help, hoping someone would appear.
When she turned around, it was none other than the legendary comedian Ken Shimura, who was walking by with his dog. "I thought, 'Maybe this man can help me!' so I stood there waiting, ready to ask for assistance," she said with excitement. Shimura, whom she described as being "muddy" and seemingly oblivious to the snake, approached her without any hesitation. "He didn’t care about the snake at all. He walked right past it. And as he did, the snake seemed to sense him and slithered off the road!"
The host and audience were thoroughly entertained by her narrative, and Sanma hilariously mimicked Shimura’s casual attitude, adding lines like, "Did he say, ‘Daffunda’ or something?" reminiscing about Shimura's famous catchphrases. The comedic reenactments and playful banter kept the laughter rolling throughout the show.
All in all, Burma's captivating stories combined elements of humor, nostalgia, and reflection. Her anecdotes served not only to entertain but also to shed light on the realities of living and growing up in urban areas where development can lead to significant life changes.
Throughout the episode, Ayano Burma’s engaging storytelling and presence shone brightly, reminding viewers of the comedic and unpredictable twists life can take. Her mix of humor and candidness struck a chord, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required when dealing with changes shaped by the intersection of nature, real estate, and celebrity culture.
By sharing her experiences on prime-time television, Burma became not just a figure of comedy but also one of relatability, capturing the hearts of those who have faced similar challenges as they navigate their lives. The blend of authentic struggles and humorous outlook makes her story one worth celebrating in the world of entertainment.