Bakusho Mondai's Hikari Ota Sparks Laughter On Shabekuri 007

On April 7, 2025, the popular Japanese comedy duo Bakusho Mondai, consisting of Hikari Ota and Yuji Tanaka, made a notable appearance on the Nippon Television show 'Shabekuri 007 2-Hour SP'. This episode was particularly memorable, as it featured a mix of humor, nostalgia, and a few eyebrow-raising moments.

During the broadcast, which aired at 9 PM, Hikari Ota celebrated his 34th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mitsuyo Ota, who is also the president of their agency, Titan. Mitsuyo revealed her concerns about live broadcasts, mentioning that she constantly checks them. She recounted a past incident during a 27-hour TV program when Ota, in a surprise move, appeared in Pierrot makeup, disrupting the planned entrance of legendary comedian Katsura Bunshi. Ota's antics drew a phone call from Bunshi himself, who expressed his frustration, saying, "Your husband is really going too far!"

As the show progressed, the host, Shinya Ueda, read Mitsuyo's comments aloud, prompting Ota to shout, "Katsura Bunshi should be at a barbecue!" This prompted laughter from the audience and a quick admonishment from Tanaka, who said, "Katsura-sensei! Enough with the barbecue already!" Ota's playful banter and Tanaka's grounded responses showcased their comedic chemistry.

In a reflective moment, Ota also revisited a controversial incident from 35 years ago when he made a shocking comment about a well-known entertainer, suggesting that the entertainer had died during a live broadcast. This remark, made during the October 26, 1990 episode of 'Beat Takeshi's All Night Nippon', stirred significant outrage at the time. Ota recounted, "There was no internet back then, so there was no uproar. Just a flood of protest letters came in." His candidness about the past highlighted how the landscape of media and public reaction has evolved over the decades.

The episode also featured segments that showcased Ota's notorious outbursts and Tanaka's more composed demeanor. A segment included a video introduction of Ota's past antics, which the audience found entertaining. Tanaka's 'two-faced' persona and 'idol-like' qualities were also humorously highlighted, adding depth to their dynamic as a duo.

In another light-hearted exchange, Ota attempted to make a grand entrance by climbing into the audience but was immediately halted by Ueda, who playfully restrained him. Ota exclaimed, "Help me!" to which he humorously questioned, "Why are you pulling back?" This playful interaction underscored the rapport among the show's cast and guests.

Additionally, the episode featured a discussion about the 'tea bag incident' involving Tanaka, where he humorously recounted being scolded by Moe Yamaguchi for trying to serve tea incorrectly. This anecdote added a personal touch to the comedic narrative, allowing viewers to connect with the personalities beyond their public personas.

Ota also took a moment to reflect on his past debates with Shigeru Ishiba, the current Prime Minister, during the show 'Hikari Ota If I Became Prime Minister...Secretary Tanaka', which aired from April 2006 to August 2016. He reminisced about the time Ishiba, who was then the Minister of Defense, appeared on the show. Ota recalled how he often became uncontrollable during discussions, leading to some harsh criticisms directed at Ishiba. In one memorable exchange, Ota remarked, "For us, election campaigns are not a big deal. Even if you say that activities to win elections are important, that has nothing to do with us. Because you make posters and put ugly faces on them."

In another instance, he criticized politicians directly, saying, "You’re politicians to protect Japan! You’re so evil! That’s why you lose (in the election)." Ishiba, attempting to keep the mood light, retorted, "Don’t lose." Ota, watching the footage, chuckled and said, "If I did an election special with that tone, I would have been saying rude things to politicians." This self-awareness and ability to laugh at oneself is part of what keeps Ota relevant and beloved in the ever-changing landscape of Japanese entertainment.

As the episode wrapped up, viewers were treated to heartfelt messages from Ota's wife, Mitsuyo, and Tanaka's wife, Moe Yamaguchi. The wives expressed their vigilance in monitoring the on-air content, ensuring that their husbands remain in check. The combination of humor, nostalgia, and personal anecdotes made this episode of 'Shabekuri 007' a delightful watch for fans of Bakusho Mondai.

As they celebrated their careers and personal milestones, it was clear that Hikari Ota and Yuji Tanaka continue to be a significant part of Japan's comedy scene, blending personal stories with humor that resonates with audiences across generations. Their ability to reflect on past controversies while maintaining a light-hearted approach showcases their growth as entertainers and their enduring appeal in the world of Japanese television.