In an emotional two-hour special aired on March 19, 2025, Japan's NTV network presented the latest episode of "Ueda and Women Shout Out the Night," which featured a dramatic "Fool's Festival" where the popular idol group Choutokimeki♡Sendenbu saw one of its members, Erika Ikuta, tearfully expressing her frustrations about her fans. The show invited several guests, including the comedian duo New York and a number of popular entertainers such as Ayaka Ohkubo and First Summer Uika. They gathered to vent their pent-up complaints in a lively and comedic atmosphere.
Prominent member of Choutokimeki♡Sendenbu, Ikuta, caught viewers' attention when she candidly shared her feelings about fans who suddenly shift their loyalty to other idols, stating, "Fans who used to support me suddenly start cheering for someone else, and that gets under my skin. When that happens, I make sure to give them an angry look!" Her statements resonated with the audience, and the show's host, Ueda Shinnya, humorously reacted to her expression by commenting, "Wow, that really looks intense!"
Additionally, the special did not shy away from humor, as the participants unleashed entertaining anecdotes. For instance, Anna Tsuchiya, known for her outspokenness, recounted how she had to reprimand high school girls taking photographs at a theme park monument without considering the children who wanted to take pictures. "I understand wanting to capture the moment, but when small children are trying to enjoy the monument, you should think of them first!" Anna exclaimed, reflecting on societal behaviors that often go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Lisa of m-flo fame shared her amusing experiences with odors in her home, revealing, "At one point, I thought that my house might be stinking. I kept sniffing around and couldn’t pinpoint the source!" This light-hearted banter contrasted with the emotional discussions surrounding personal and societal issues.
On a more serious note, the show also highlighted the pressures influencers face. Influencer Naenano discussed the unrealistic expectations associated with her position, stating, "People think being an influencer means I should know what will be in fashion next spring. Honestly, this feels like asking for a psychic! I can’t predict the future, and there’s so much pressure to get it right!"
Ikuta wasn't the only one to shed tears during the broadcast. Toward the end of the show, a guest unexpectedly announced her marriage, saying, "I haven’t mentioned this anywhere, but I just got married." This revelation took the participants and the audience by surprise, causing a mix of emotions throughout the studio.
The show's theme of expressing frustrations extended to various societal issues, including rising beauty standards and the pressure to conform to public expectations. Chinese comedian Izen voiced her displeasure about the unrealistic beauty ideals in Japan, criticizing the constant cycle of diet pressure throughout the year. "There are so many delicious foods in Japan, yet we’re always obsessing over summer bodies and then worrying about being left alone during the holiday season... This is just ridiculous!"
The dynamic presentation also included some lighthearted banter that sometimes touched on serious issues such as lifestyle stupidity from social media habits. The collective complaints illustrated underlying societal issues that juxtapose societal pressure with personal anecdotes.
In a segment that drew attention, Asari Suda addressed the microaggressions she experiences when shopping, stating, "When I pick up something that I like, and a salesperson mentions that a famous actress uses it too, it turns me off completely! I don’t care who's using something, and it bothers me!" Her frustrations reflected a shared sentiment among young people who wish to establish their individual identities apart from celebrity influences.
The humor-laden episode concluded with an emphasis on the importance of open dialogue and authenticity in a society filled with unachievable standards. The heartfelt disclosures left viewers with a bittersweet sense of realization about challenges of modern life, particularly those faced by public figures.
Overall, "Ueda and Women Shout Out the Night" provided not just entertainment but also a platform for discussing real-life issues through comedic expressions. The episode’s blend of heartfelt and humorous remarks resonated, encouraging viewers to reflect on their societal roles while celebrating individuality and honest expression.
