Japanese television programming is set to embrace new and nostalgic formats this January, featuring beloved personalities and fresh ideas to celebrate the New Year. One of the highlights is the show ‘鶴瓶＆ナイナイのちょっとあぶないお正月 2025,’ which aired on January 1, 2025, on ABEMA SPECIAL2 channel. This special continues the legacy of ‘志村＆鶴瓶のあぶない交遊録,’ combining comedy and viewer participation.
The show is led by the renowned comedian 笑福亭鶴瓶 alongside the popular duo ナインティナイン, consisting of 岡村隆史 and 矢部浩之. Well-known for its unique brand of humor, the show featured the popular segment ‘英語禁止ボウリング,’ where participants compete without speaking English. The banter among the team brings forth laughter and unexpected moments, especially with guest appearances like 風間俊介, who injected excitement with surprise rules and playful antics on the bowling lane.
Set to attract more viewers, the ‘英語禁止ボウリング’ segment is not just about bowling but also highlights comedic interactions among the contestants. Tensions and laughter filled the air when the team introduced new incentives for knocking over ‘金のピン’ (gold pins), showcasing the competitive spirit and humor typical of Japanese New Year's shows. Following their engaging performances, the atmosphere crackled with amusement when guest star 風間, surprised everyone with his offbeat remarks, stating, “声高に言いたいんですけど、僕にだって夜はあるんです” (I want to say loudly, even I have my nights).
On another front, 岡村隆史 shared insights on personal socializations during the January 6 broadcast of ABCテレビ’s ‘なるみ・岡村の過ぎるTV’. He humorously conversed about his reluctance to visit bars alone, emphasizing the peculiarities of celebrity life where private settings often collide with public expectations. He quipped about never being able to go alone, asserting, “僕はないです。1人で行けるバー” (I can’t, I don’t have places I can go to alone), prompting laughter from the audience.
The unique charm of January television doesn't stop there. A revival is on the horizon with 'やべっち寿司', which will reappear for the first time after seven years on January 8, 2025. This segment, reminiscent of the beloved variety shows of yesteryear, promises to feature performers from ‘FNS歌謡祭’, including big names like Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Number_i, and NiziU. Renowned for its playful banter and spontaneity, the segment signifies a delightful return to classic variety formats, bridging generations of entertainment.
Each program appearing this month provides viewers with various entertainment facets—from nostalgic segments celebrating long-standing comedic styles to fresh insights from the lives of their favorite celebrities. With celebrities like 勝地涼 candidly discussing their dating lives, the formulations of modern romantic relationships within the entertainment industry become apparent as 岡村's interactions push the comedic envelope, exploring the interesting overlaps between their on-screen personas and off-screen realities.
Fans of Japanese television can eagerly anticipate these programs, not just for the comedic moments but for the reflections they provide on current social themes, celebrity interactions, and the impact of shared experiences during traditional viewing periods like New Year holidays.
Japanese media evolves continually, blending modern cultures with traditional formats. This January's television lineup encapsulates not only the laughter and light-heartedness expected from such shows but also unique elements of introspection and candidness from their featured personalities. Viewers are encouraged to tune in and accompany their favorite stars through these engaging episodes as 2025 begins.