On January 6, 2025, Japanese television viewers will be treated to the heartwarming special 'Hajimete no Otsukaii Shunpun! Small Adventures SP 2025', featuring four-year-old Rei Masuda, the son of Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Naoya Masuda. This special will air on Nippon Television at 7 PM and promises to showcase the earnest efforts of children taking on errands.
The program is set against the backdrop of the 'Fan Appreciation Day' at ZOZO Marine Stadium, where Rei will be tasked with retrieving his father's baseball glove from their hotel. It's not just any glove; it has various functions, and Rei, being a baseball enthusiast who frequently helps his father maintain his gear, is entrusted with this significant role.
Despite his youthful eagerness, Rei displays confidence as he exclaims, "Wow, this feels like doing errands!" Meanwhile, his father, known for his strong nerves during games, admits he's more anxious about this task than any game, saying, "I’m more nervous than I am during matches..." This amusing juxtaposition of the young boy's excitement and his father's unease sets the tone for the lighthearted adventure.
The special opens at Izumo Taisha, referred to as 'The Grand Shrine Where Gods Gather', where various children from across Japan will engage in their own errands. Hosts George Tokoro and Hiroko Moriguchi, along with guests such as Asa Ito, Koji Imada, Atsuto Uchida, Rina Kawaei, and Yu Takahashi, will narrate the children’s heartwarming undertakings, offering commentary full of affection and humor.
Among the featured segments, two sisters on the cultural hijinks of the 'Sahara Grand Festival' in Katori City, Chiba, strive to deliver traditional footwear to their participating father, skillfully maneuvering through throngs of festival-goers, declaring, "We love our cool dad!" With each attempt, they search for the festival's frog mascot as their guide. Atsuto Uchida, their father and former national soccer player, reminisces, stating, "I wished to have had such errands before, where I could have delivered my own sports spikes back then!"
The program also includes nostalgic visual vignettes labeled 'A Few Years After,' showcasing the progression of past participants and highlighting the growth and changes since their original appearances.
With thoughtful clips and touching moments, the 'Hajimete no Otsukaii Special Program' is not only entertainment but also celebrates familial bonds and the milestones of childhood. Fans and newcomers alike will find joy and laughter watching Rei navigate his errand and interact with the world around him.
The show, which has been running intermittently since 1991, continues to engage audiences by capturing the innocence and candor of children as they undertake tasks they perceive as monumental. This year’s special, showcasing nine unique errands, promises additional emotional moments and unexpected outcomes.
Overall, 'Hajimete no Otsukaii Shunpun! Small Adventures SP 2025' is set to warm the hearts of many and deliver a delightful viewing experience filled with laughter and lessons on courage and determination.