On March 26, 2025, the final special episode of 'Sekai Itadaki Gourmet' will air on Nippon Television Network from 9:15 PM to 10:54 PM JST, featuring food explorations in Germany's Frankfurt and the Philippines' Cebu. This popular variety show aims to connect people around the world through local cuisine, breaking down language barriers and celebrating cultural diversity.
The episode will showcase Kumiko Okubo and EXILE TAKAHIRO as they embark on a "tipsy honne trip" in Frankfurt, indulging in local delicacies and drinks. Their enthusiasm is palpable, as they express their desire to make this final episode legendary. "Let’s enjoy ourselves to the fullest and create a memorable episode," they declared.
One of their first stops is a famous market in Frankfurt, where they raise a toast with traditional German beer. As they sample local sausages, including the 'Rinds Wurst' and 'Frankfurter Wurst', EXILE TAKAHIRO cannot contain his excitement, exclaiming, "This is delicious!" He adds, "The umami bursts like a pop, juicy and satisfying!"
The duo continues their culinary adventure by hopping from stall to stall, tasting various local specialties. One highlight is the 'Lippchen', a sautéed pork spare rib accompanied by apple wine. EXILE TAKAHIRO praises the dish, saying, "It’s so good it feels like a knee kick!" He also opens up about the contrast between his public persona and his true self, providing viewers with a glimpse into his personal reflections.
As night falls, they venture into the Sachsenhausen district, known for its concentration of around 30 pubs. Here, they indulge in 'Schweinshaxe', a traditional dish made from pork knuckle soaked in apple wine. Okubo is particularly impressed with the crispy skin, declaring it "might be the best I’ve ever had!" While sipping white wine, she shares her thoughts on how her approach to work has evolved as she has aged.
The episode also features other German culinary delights, including 'Schnitzel with Green Sauce', a dish that is said to have been favored by the renowned German writer Goethe, and 'Currywurst', which Okubo fondly remembers as being exceptionally delicious. The pair wraps up their Frankfurt adventure with heartfelt messages to each other, reflecting on their experiences.
In addition to the Germany segment, the episode includes a special feature on Cebu, Philippines, where fellow hosts Arisa Hirose and Yasuko explore the local cuisine and culture. This dual focus highlights the show's commitment to showcasing diverse culinary traditions and the joy of discovering food from around the world.
The studio guests for the Philippines segment include IKKO, Takanori Ukisho from ACEes, SHELLY, Yoshimi Noguchi, and Yucha-mi, while the Germany segment features Takanori Ukisho, Miyamoto Tomiio, Akane Ozawa, SHELLY, Tomoaki Kashiwano, and Yasuko. The lively discussions and reactions from the studio audience add to the overall excitement of the show.
'Sekai Itadaki Gourmet' has captivated audiences with its unique blend of travel and culinary exploration, encouraging viewers to appreciate the rich tapestry of global cuisine. The final episode promises to be a fitting conclusion to a beloved series, leaving fans with lasting memories and a craving for adventure.
As the show wraps up its journey, it invites viewers to reflect on the connections made through food and the stories shared across cultures. The final airing not only celebrates the culinary delights of Frankfurt and Cebu but also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and understanding in a diverse world.
