March 21, 2025, marked a day full of laughter and entertaining moments on TBS’s 'LOVE IT!' as celebrity challenges showcased notable Japanese personalities engaging in comedic antics. The first segment featured EXIT member Kanechika Daiki along with TBS announcer Nanaho Aoyagi, attempting a quirky yet challenging game inspired by B'z's legendary song "Ultra Soul." In the heat of the moment, this segment highlighted their competitive spirits and innate abilities.
With the sound of the song kicking in, the challenge required the participants to don headphones at the chorus’s onset and jump at the phrase "hey!" while avoiding an imaginary sneak bat. Channeling his enthusiasm, Kanechika Daiki executed his jump perfectly, exclaiming, "I can’t believe it!" as he successfully cleared the challenge. His excitement resonated with viewers, capturing the game's thrilling essence. Nanaho Aoyagi, equally confident, responded to a question from MC Kawashima Akira about the challenge: "I’ve sung 'ultra soul' 10,000 times, so I can't see, it doesn't matter," demonstrating her unwavering self-assurance despite being blindfolded.
However, the timing proved tricky for Aoyagi, who jumped slightly too early yet displayed impressive leaping skills, delighting fans in the audience. Kawashima, astonished by her high jump, humorously remarked, "You jumped too much. You were floating for 1 second," as a backdrop to her exhilarating performance that ended in an enthusiastic fist pump of triumph from Aoyagi herself.
The segment received a vibrant response on social media, with fans commenting on Aoyagi’s remarkable jumping skills and the amusing nature of the game, echoing sentiments like "B'z fans have great jumping abilities" and praising the lively interaction between the participants.
Following this playful challenge, the spotlight shifted to Morning Musume's Maria Makino, who brought her own brand of humor to 'LOVE IT!' The 24-year-old singer faced immediate enthusiasm and scrutiny as she made her entrance. Starting off strong, she attempted to inject some humor into the show but was soon scolded by Kukki!, a member of the comedy duo Yasei Bakudan, who retorted, "Shut up, you idiot!" A minute into the program, it was clear that her energetic conduct had caught everyone off guard, prompting Kawashima to diplomatically chime in, "From 8:01 AM, let’s leave the idiocy out of it!"
Despite the reprimands, Makino's boldness continued to shine, demonstrating her comedic flair that dates back to her recent Instagram post where she had shown off another gag reminiscent of Yoshimoto Shinkigeki's Izumi Tadayo while showcasing her charisma and a self-assured stage presence.
Ultimately, both segments encapsulated the light environment of Japanese entertainment, effectively using humor and creative challenges to engage the audience. The interplay between the participants and their quirky personalities contributed to a delightful viewing experience, reminding everyone that laughter is a pivotal part of such television programming. As Makino and Aoyagi continue to win over viewers with their spontaneity, it's clear that these light-hearted interactions resonate well within the fabric of pop culture, conveying an uplifting sense of joy and entertainment.
