On March 29, 2025, TBS celebrated the 30th anniversary of its beloved program, "King's Brunch," with an extravagant 8-hour live special that brought back nostalgia and excitement for fans across Japan. The event marked a significant milestone for the show, which first aired in April 1996, and featured appearances from past hosts, heartfelt messages, and memorable moments from its storied history.
Among the highlights of the broadcast was the much-anticipated return of talent Emi Hashino, who made her first live appearance on the show in 11 years. Hashino, affectionately known as the "Queen" of the program, was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers from the studio audience as she was introduced by regular member Shingo Fujimori from Oriental Radio. "Queen Hashino!" he exclaimed, setting the tone for the joyful reunion.
Wearing her signature dress, Hashino struck her iconic "Queen Pose" with her hands together and declared, "King's Brunch, I'm so glad to be here after 11 years!" Her presence brought a wave of nostalgia, with presenter Satori Sato remarking, "Indeed, when you think of King's Brunch, you think of the Queen." Hashino reflected on her long history with the show, stating, "I was on King's Brunch for 18 years," and reminisced about her time on the program.
The special broadcast was packed with segments that showcased the show's evolution over three decades. It featured a variety of guests, including actors and entertainers, who sent in congratulatory messages. Historical clips were shown, reminding viewers of the most cherished moments that have defined the program.
In addition to Hashino's return, the live special included a segment on gourmet food from Hawaii and a luxury shopping spree led by Kumi Hiroshige, who spent an impressive 300,000 yen. The show also provided a glimpse into the latest trends from Korea, with MIKI & INI broadcasting live from Seoul, raising questions about whether they would be able to bring back souvenirs for the studio audience.
As the broadcast continued, regular members of the show introduced luxurious Hawaiian properties, engaging the audience with a quiz to guess their prices. The excitement didn't stop there; the show featured interviews with stars from upcoming movies, including a segment about the film "#Truth," which added a cinematic flair to the anniversary celebration.
Throughout the day, various segments highlighted the show's 30-year legacy, including the famous "Queen's Shopping" corner, which Hashino had hosted for 15 years. Her unique style, characterized by a pink queen dress and voluminous hair, had captivated audiences and laid the groundwork for current segments like "Shopping Masters" and "Trend Club." After a nostalgic video montage, Hashino expressed her feelings, saying, "It's nostalgic. It's embarrassing," and added, "Being able to experience the Queen's corner of King's Brunch was my youth."
Other notable guests throughout the day included actors Mao Abe, Mikako Tabe, and Dean Fujioka, who joined in the celebration, further enriching the special with their presence. The atmosphere was electrifying, with the studio filled with laughter and applause as the guests reminisced about their experiences on the show.
The program also featured segments from popular dramas, including the Tuesday drama "Opposite Family ~This is My Way of Living!~" and the Sunday Theater "Caster," showcasing the show's versatility in blending entertainment with engaging content. The Friday drama "Ignite -The Outlaw-" was also highlighted, demonstrating the extensive reach of TBS's programming.
As the live broadcast neared its conclusion, viewers were treated to a performance of the ending theme song, "Yoku Dekimashita," by the band Saucy Dog, wrapping up the celebration on a high note. The song resonated with the audience, encapsulating the spirit of the day and the memories shared over the years.
Overall, the "King's Brunch 30th Year Special! 8-Hour Live Broadcast SP" was a resounding success, bringing together fans, past hosts, and new guests to celebrate a program that has become a staple in Japanese television. As the show looks forward to the future, it remains a beloved part of many viewers' lives, continuing to inspire laughter, joy, and a sense of community.
