Hayato Iinobori recently marked his 50th birthday with a special appearance on the popular culinary television program “Meshidora,” which aired on February 22, 2025. This lively show, hosted by Daiki Kaneko and Shinnosuke Mitsushima, takes viewers on a gastronomic road trip around Tokyo, where they sample local delicacies and engage in entertaining conversations.
Filmed mainly around Hinode City, the episode began at the famous Kōbō-ji Temple, where Iinobori welcomed viewers with enthusiasm. “Welcome to my birthday special!” he declared, setting the tone for this lighthearted exploration of food and personal reflections.
From there, the trio embarked on their first stop at the cozy “244.Coffee,” where Iinobori humorously recounted his past experiences. “Sometimes, it was really challenging to juggle morning shows with evening performances,” he reminisced, yet he affirmed, “It felt quite rewarding even if it was tough back then.” The atmosphere was lively as they devoured hot sandwiches and sipped coffee, with Iinobori sharing anecdotes from his early morning broadcasting days.
The show’s format allows for spontaneous interaction, evidenced when Mitsushima commented on how Iinobori still gets up early for work, to which he joked, “Even if I sleep at 2 AM, I’m still up by 6!” This honesty reflected Iinobori’s enduring spirit, even as he acknowledged the pressures of fame and family life.
Next, the group traveled to “Café & Bar Terra,” where Iinobori playfully requested Kaneko and Mitsushima to continue their light teasing throughout the day. “I feel like once you hit 40, you automatically become this revered figure. I still feel like I’m somewhat of a middle school kid inside, so please make fun of me!” he laughed, amiably urging his fellow hosts to keep things entertaining.
The camaraderie continued as the trio indulged in Iinobori’s favorite dishes, like Napolitan spaghetti, and discussed music and leisure time. Iinobori shared, “Cutting trees has become quite the hobby for me lately,” describing his newfound enjoyment of carpentry and even crafting his own secret space in Tochigi Prefecture.
“Meshidora” also showcased the competition aspect of the show, presenting moments filled with laughter during their games. At one stop, they decided to determine who would cover the expenses of their lighthearted tour by playing table tennis, reviving spirited interactions between the trio.
Upon wrapping up the day with visits to local spots like “Disk Eight” to browse vinyl records, Iinobori’s reflections grew more serious. “I’ve been very spontaneous all my life; as I prepare for 50, I want to make sure I have plans. Yet, I don’t want to be stringent with myself—it’s important to have room for mistakes,” he stated thoughtfully, which captured the essence of balancing ambition with authenticity as one transitions through life.
The day culminated with the announcement of his future stage title: “Goodbye Churros - JUST A FEELING,” marking not only his career aspirations but also encapsulating the joys and uncertainties of maturing. Viewers widely appreciated Iinobori’s candidness and the joyful energy of the episode.
“Meshidora” strives to keep things real and entertaining, staying true to its format devoid of scripts or premeditated content, thereby allowing personalities like Iinobori to shine through authentically.
It remains clear from this special episode of “Meshidora” and his birthday celebration on-air, Hayato Iinobori continues to embrace life authentically and with joy. With each shared meal, humorous quip, and nostalgic story, he openly invites us to join him on this memorable chapter of his life.