Japanese entertainment enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as December 2024 rolls to a close, showcasing various events and special programming across the nation. First up, the annual 'Gakuya Senryu' poetry collection was celebrated at the Numazu Raccoon Yoshimoto Theater, where beloved performers gathered to contribute their haikus inspired by their experiences and observations.
Among the highlights, comedian 'Desuyo.' shared one of the standout haikus: "Desuyo.さん いつも食べてる チョココロネ", charming audiences and emphasizing the thematic importance of everyday moments. Not to be outdone, the rising comedic duo Shimoryu presented their witty takes on financial woes with Maeda Ryuuji remarking, "お金……お金がないので……お金が欲しいです。" This candidness about money's hold on life struck a humorous chord among attendees.
On December 20, the 'Reiwa 6 Standard Osaka Manufacturing Product Presentation' took place at the Osaka Prefectural Office. This event saw the return of the Nishikawa family, who were appointed as ambassadors last year, joining Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi to showcase newly recognized products. The governor passionately stated, "大阪製ブランドをどんどん発信し、さらに広げていけたら," tackling the significance of promoting local manufacturing and creative products.
With the 2025 Osaka World Expo on the horizon, this initiative aims not just to showcase products, but to bolster the brand image of Osaka’s innovation and craftsmanship. With over 150 products currently recognized under the Osaka brand, the event successfully introduced seven new certified items reflecting both creativity and quality, including health-related innovations aimed at addressing region-specific issues.
Meanwhile, as families gather for the New Year, the popular variety show 'Saturday is Nani Suru!?' is gearing up for its holiday special: 'Saturday is Kani Suru!?' airing on January 3, 2025. Hosts Yamazato Ryota of Nankai Candies and Uga Natsumi split the show’s cast for competitive challenges across scenic Hokkaido. This year’s bounty includes 200 crabs to be won, setting the stage for thrilling contests. The excitement extends as performers and viewers alike hope to revel together, sharing the culinary delights of Hokkaido’s fresh seafood.
Lastly, viewers are invited to witness the special 'KISUKE 2025 New Year' show, set to air on January 1, where challengers will participate in thrilling games built on chance, embodying the true spirit of the New Year with festive challenges. Host Kawashima Akira teased viewers, stating, "撮れ高があるかどうかも運なので実験的な収録になったんですけれども," hinting at surprises waiting to be uncovered.
This December, as laughter and celebration fill the air from Numazu to Osaka, fans of Japanese entertainment can delight in both new experiences and the cherished traditions of their favorite programs, creating memories to cherish as the curtain falls on 2024 and the anticipation of 2025 takes center stage.
