On March 5, 2025, Sato Oki, a member of the J-pop group FANTASTICS, appeared on the Nippon TV program "Sekai Ultimate Gourmet" and opened up about his strong relationships with his fellow members. During the show, hosted by the comedy duo Haraichi, Sato shared insights about the camaraderie he shares with the group, much to the amusement of the audience.
Sato revealed, "I want to see the members even on days when I don't have work," highlighting his dedication and affection for his co-members. This sentiment sparked curiosity among the hosts, particularly Yu Sawa. His straightforward query, "Why do you ask such questions?" drew laughter from the other guests, including SHELLY and Natsuko Yokozawa, who chimed in with lighthearted suggestions.
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Sato recounted how at the beginning of each year, he embarks on trips with his bandmates. This year, he took a memorable two-night, three-day trip to Thailand with Yusei Yagi, showcasing their bond outside of professional commitments. This sort of interaction off-stage is not just routine; it’s central to how they support and understand each other, which undoubtedly contributes to their music and performances.
When asked by the hosts about his desire to see the other members even without work commitments, Sato's enthusiasm was evident. The duo from Haraichi, especially Sawa and Yuuki Iwai, humorously responded, "Don’t you want to see Iwai?" to which both Sawa and Iwai instantly replied, "I don't want to see him at all!" Their camaraderie continued to shape the discussion as they jokingly debated whether seeing each other more frequently was genuinely desirable.
This playful banter resonates with their established profiles as entertainers who thrive on chemistry and friendship. For Sato, these connections go beyond mere friendship as they shape who they are as performing artists. The group members often participate together not just on stage but also engage personally, strengthening their creative ties.
Over the years, this approach has made FANTASTICS not just another J-pop group, but rather, they have transformed themselves through their interactions and friendships, culminating unique musical expressions rooted deeply within their personal lives. Sato's enthusiasm about their friendships paints FANTASTICS as more than entertainers, reflecting the warmth and camaraderie they share.
Sato's warmth was well-captured during the show, where he repeatedly affirmed his genuine interest in seeing his colleagues, even during personal leisure days, emphasizing the close-knit fabric of their relationships. It is evident how these bonds contribute positively to their collective artistic endeavors.
Such revelations are not just entertaining but also demonstrate the human side of celebrity life—offering fans glimpses of how personal interactions can significantly shape the professional outcomes of their favorite artists. The light-hearted exchanges among the members, echoing mutual affection and support, highlight how important these relationships are within the entertainment industry.
While most celebrities are often portrayed as distant figures, Sato's candidness about wanting to spend time with the other FANTASTICS members showcases the authenticity behind their public personas. This episode of "Sekai Ultimate Gourmet" might serve as another reminder to fans of the integral role these interpersonal relationships play behind the scenes.
With their close friendship, FANTASTICS continues not only to take the music scene by storm but also forge connections with fans worldwide, proving their appeal lies beyond talent—rooted instead within the genuine bonds of friendship and support.