Actor Koichi Iwaki, 74, made a memorable appearance on the Nippon TV show 'Downtown DX' on May 8, 2025, where he publicly addressed a past grievance involving fellow performer Ryuhei Maruyama, 41, of the idol group SUPEREIGHT. The episode, themed 'I Want to Resolve It Tonight! Celebrities' Real Worries SP,' featured various celebrities discussing their personal dilemmas with host Akira Kawashima.
During the show, Iwaki revealed that Maruyama had invited him for drinks during a previous collaboration, and they had exchanged contact information. However, Iwaki expressed his frustration at Maruyama for not answering his phone calls despite leaving a voicemail. "This guy didn't pick up the phone!" Iwaki exclaimed, recounting that he had called Maruyama four times without a response, much to the surprise of the studio audience.
Maruyama, taken aback by Iwaki's outburst, admitted his fault, stating, "This is completely my fault. I was thinking of a clever response for the show, but I couldn't come up with anything." He then asked Iwaki for another chance to meet up, to which Iwaki cheerfully replied, "Absolutely!" This lighthearted banter not only entertained the audience but also showcased the camaraderie among the celebrities.
The episode featured a variety of guests, including Asahi Nao, Shinagawa Yu, and members from the idol group 'Super Tokimeki♡Sendenbu,' all sharing their own experiences and worries. Maruyama opened up about his struggles with sleep, saying, "I have trouble falling asleep every night and wake up feeling exhausted!" In response, fellow guest Sakai Hinako suggested remedies like taking a spoonful of manuka honey before bed. Another guest advised wearing warm socks after a bath and then removing them just before sleeping to help cool down.
While the studio audience laughed and offered suggestions, the atmosphere remained supportive and engaging. Iwaki's candid complaints and Maruyama's humorous rebuttals created a lively dynamic, illustrating the show's goal of addressing real concerns faced by celebrities.
This episode of 'Downtown DX' not only highlighted personal anecdotes from the stars but also served as a reminder of the pressures faced by public figures. Iwaki's humorous yet pointed remarks about Maruyama's unresponsiveness resonated with many viewers, who can relate to the frustrations of trying to connect with friends or colleagues.
As the show continued, more celebrities shared their experiences, creating a sense of solidarity among the guests. The lighthearted format allowed for serious topics to be addressed in a humorous way, making it both entertaining and relatable.
In the entertainment industry, where public perception can often overshadow personal relationships, moments like these are essential. They remind audiences that celebrities are not just figures on a screen but individuals with their own lives, challenges, and friendships.
Overall, Iwaki's appearance on 'Downtown DX' was a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing the importance of communication and understanding in both personal and professional relationships. The episode was well-received, with many viewers expressing their enjoyment of the candid discussions and the lighthearted approach to serious topics.
As the show wrapped up, fans were left with a sense of satisfaction, having witnessed a genuine exchange between Iwaki and Maruyama. Such interactions not only entertain but also provide insight into the lives of celebrities, bridging the gap between their public personas and private realities.
In a world where social media often magnifies misunderstandings, Iwaki and Maruyama's exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of direct communication. As Iwaki humorously pointed out, sometimes a simple phone call can lead to unexpected revelations and laughter.
As the credits rolled, viewers were left anticipating the next episode, eager to see what other real-life dilemmas the stars would tackle. The blend of humor, honesty, and relatability makes 'Downtown DX' a staple in Japanese entertainment, proving that even celebrities have their share of worries and misunderstandings.
