On December 31st, 2024, Japanese television captivated audiences with its New Year's Eve special, titled 史上最大32名×超高額自腹!! ピタリでたら1000万円 大晦日もゴチになります！SP (The Largest Ever 32 Participants × High-Stakes Self-Pay!! If You Guess Correctly, Win 10 Million Yen). The show aired on 日本テレビ (Nippon Television) from 6:30 PM to 11:45 PM, combining culinary challenges with comedic performances and making it one of the highlights of Japan's holiday season.
Hosted by the beloved MC, 矢部浩之 (Yabe Hiroyuki) from the comedy duo ナインティナイン (Ninety-Nine), the program featured 32 participants competing for prizes, including comedians, actors, and former contestants from the popular segment ゴチになります！ (Gochi ni Narimasu!). This New Year's special was not just about the stakes; it also included segments where participants sought special ingredients, resulting in memorable moments of hilarity and culinary curiosity.
This year's guests included 横山裕 (Yokoyama Yu) from SUPER EIGHT, who faced the challenge of capturing the elusive “幻のうなぎ” (phantom eel) during his week-long fishing trip in Okayama, where only one eel could be caught each week. Alongside him was 桜田ひより (Sakura Hiyori), who, together with the comedic duo インディアンス (Indians), spent the day digging for top-quality lotus root in Ibaraki, showcasing their determination with every muddy throw of the spade.
The lineup also featured the talents of renowned comedians such as NON STYLE and マヂカルラブリー (Magical Lovely), who presented their unique comedic acts during the show, including collaborations with fellow comedians. The laughter echoed through homes across Japan as guests performed skits, with highlights including the pairing of どぶろっく with child star 鈴木福 for their humorous song rendition, effectively blending comedy with music.
Against fierce competition from other networks broadcasting reoccurring favorites like NHK’s 第75回NHK紅白歌合戦 (The 75th NHK Red and White Song Battle), and TBS featuring 大晦日オールスター体育祭 (New Year's Eve All-Star Sports Festival), 日本テレビ (Nippon Television) maintained its reputation for providing dynamic holiday entertainment. Viewers tuned in for the excitement, anticipating comedic brilliance and culinary escapades all wrapped up for the New Year's celebration.
The response from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, as fans praised it for its engaging content and the high stakes involved. According to one producer, "This special program embodies the spirit of New Year's Eve with high excitement and laughter!" This statement reflects the show's goal: to create an entertaining atmosphere featuring laughter and fun.
Each year, Japanese television continues to evolve its programming around New Year's Eve, fusing tradition with contemporary entertainment to appeal to diverse viewers. The efforts seen this year show promise for even greater innovations as the audience demands more excitement and engagement during holiday broadcasts.
With such rich cultural significance, 史上最大32名×超高額自腹!! ピタリでたら1000万円 大晦日もゴチになります！SP serves not just as entertainment, but as a joyful way for families and friends to gather and celebrate the New Year, instilling hope and enjoyment for the year ahead.
This remarkable program not only highlights the unique culinary delights of Japan but also spotlights the incomparable talent within its entertainment industry. For those who missed it, highlights will surely emerge and be shared among fans, keeping the spirit of the New Year alive.
