On March 23, 2025, the popular TBS program 'Shukan Sanma to Matsuko' featured an eye-opening segment on the idol group 'Watashi+ism', revealing troubling financial difficulties linked to their lavish spending on plastic surgery. The group's charismatic yet challenging story captivated viewers as hosts Matsuko Deluxe and Sanma Akashiya dug deeper into the escalating costs involved in crafting their glamorous image.
It was revealed that Watashi+ism has spent a staggering total of over 60 million yen on plastic surgery procedures, leading to a cumulative debt of approximately 3.5 million yen. The group's producer, Wakaniyan, is struggling to keep their musical ambitions afloat despite an alarming financial downward spiral. During this episode, Matsuko and Sanma expressed shock as they learned about the scale of the group's expenditures and the consequences it has had on their standing.
Yuua, the group's manager, took center stage in the episode as she shared her story and the means through which they source their funds. Interestingly, much of the financial backing for their operations comes from her mother, who runs a bar and restaurant in Niseko, leveraging the regional tourism boom. The episode's interplay between humor and concern resonated with viewers, depicting the often-unseen labor and sacrifices families make for the pursuit of fame.
Yuura's current financial situation is quite revealing. In fact, her best recorded monthly income reached a mere 40,000 yen, primarily earned from peeling daikon radishes in a pickle factory via a gig platform called Timee. At a time when stars are expected to earn hefty incomes, Yuua’s seemingly low earnings highlight the often-hidden struggles behind the bright lights of the entertainment industry. With her current work at the factory, Yuua brings in between 50,000 to 60,000 yen a month.
Moreover, Yuua's living situation was humorously critiqued by Matsuko who quipped, "It’s amazing, you literally can’t live on your own!" This sentiment was echoed by Tsuchida Akiyoshi, another guest on the show, who light-heartedly remarked that Yuua was essentially chained to her family's support system metaphorically, stating she was “足に鎖つけられてる” — illustrating a playful take on her familial obligations.
As tension mounted in the episode, the discussion took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Yuua is related to the legendary television personality, Kazuo Motoki, humorously dubbed the 'man with 100% viewership ratings.' The revelation left both Matsuko and Sanma astounded and questioning whether such a disclosure was appropriate for public airing. "Can we actually reveal this?" Sanma jested, navigating the delicate line of celebrity association while providing a moment of levity during the show.
Reflecting on her ambitions, Yuua expressed a heartfelt desire to become a successful idol producer much like the esteemed J.Y. Park. However, her dreams were met with friendly jabs from Matsuko, who pointed out that J.Y. Park achieved considerable success long before reaching her age. To this, Tsuchida chimed in, affirming J.Y. Park's remarkable career trajectory at a young age, suggesting that Yuua still has a long journey ahead.
The episode served as a microcosm of the trials and tribulations faced by aspiring idols in Japan's entertainment landscape. Despite their substantial debt and the looming pressure of maintaining their image, Watashi+ism's story is one that showcases resilience — a blend of youthful dreams, family support, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
In the end, it was the infectious humor of the hosts and their guests that provided a thematic relief amidst the serious issues presented. As Matsuko lamented the absurdities of Yuua’s situation, the laughter drawn from the comments about her dependence on family not only entertained but also reflected the often-overlooked struggles in showbiz. While fans might see the glamorous side of the idols, episodes like these peel back the layers to reveal the dedication, hardships, and familial dynamics that help shape these young performers' lives.
All in all, the episode of 'Shukan Sanma to Matsuko' offered an engaging, if not stark, examination of Watashi+ism’s journey through debt, familial support, and dreams of idol stardom, reminding audiences that the road to success remains fraught with unexpected barriers, sacrifices, and familial ties that bind and support them through their endeavors.
