In a delightful episode of the Japanese variety show Sakusaku Himuhimu ☆ Oshi no Furu Yoru ☆, aired on April 26, 2025, hosts Daisuke Sakuma from the idol group Snow Man and Yuki Himura from the comedy duo Bananaman explored the captivating world of the picture book Pandoro Bou. The show, which airs weekly on Nippon Television every Saturday at 11:30 PM, focuses on uncovering the appeal of various "oshi"—a term that refers to things that people are passionate about.
This particular episode took a deep dive into Pandoro Bou, which has seen remarkable success, selling over 4.3 million copies. The hosts expressed their surprise at the book's popularity and its unique storytelling approach. Mutsuki Yamamoto, an actress who voices the character Oshitsuji-san, shared her personal journey of becoming enamored with the book after visiting collaboration cafes and exhibitions with children. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she introduced the character's daughter, a six-year-old named Akari-chan, who charmed the audience with her introduction.
During the episode, Sakuma and Himura highlighted four main points that illustrate why Pandoro Bou resonates with both children and adults alike. The first point discussed was the emotional investment in the charming villain protagonist, the bread thief known as Pandoro Bou. The story begins with this character stealing from a local bakery, a bold act that has intrigued many readers in today's more ethically aware society. "A charming villain is a good thing," Sakuma remarked, nodding in agreement with the show's exploration of moral complexities.
The second point emphasized the book's use of gag manga-like expressions, particularly its clever open-page spreads. The plot twist, where the protagonist, after stealing a loaf of bread, takes a bite only to exclaim that it is "bad" while making a funny face, left both hosts in stitches. "This is totally different from what I expected from a picture book!" exclaimed Sakuma, showcasing their genuine amusement.
Next, the episode explored the interactive nature of Pandoro Bou, which invites readers to participate in the narrative. The absurdity of a character who, after stealing bread, becomes angry at the bakery for the poor quality of the stolen goods kept the hosts laughing. "I see, it’s a reader-participation style book," Sakuma concluded, as they moved on to the next revelation about the character's true identity.
The fourth point discussed was the valuable lessons embedded within the story for parents. In a touching scene, the bakery owner, after having his bread stolen, squats down to the thief's level and kindly suggests that making their own bread might be a better option. This gentle approach to teaching right from wrong resonated with both Sakuma and Himura, who acknowledged the wisdom in the owner's response.
Additionally, the episode featured a video interview with the book's author, Keiko Shibata, who discussed her inspirations and the creative process behind Pandoro Bou. The hosts were also treated to a special gift of autographed illustrations from Shibata, further enhancing the episode's charm.
Interestingly, the book's popularity has transcended its target audience, leading to a surge in merchandise sales. Stylish and practical, the Pandoro Bou goods have caught the eye of adult women, who find them appealing and easy to carry. Sakuma even expressed a desire to buy some of the merchandise for his niece, prompting Himura to quip, "We make it so easy to create 'oshi' content!"
The episode wrapped up with a teaser for the next installment, which promises to feature the soccer manga Aoashi, a title that has sold over 23 million copies. Former Japanese national soccer player Atsuto Uchida will introduce this beloved series, keeping the show's focus on exploring the diverse world of popular culture.
Fans can also catch a special edition of the episode on TVer, which includes unaired scenes, making it a treat for viewers who want more of the engaging discussions and laughter that characterize Sakusaku Himuhimu ☆ Oshi no Furu Yoru ☆.
