On March 20, 2025, viewers tuned into the latest episode of the beloved Japanese television series 'Gurunai', where the thrill of competition merged with the excitement of celebrity guests. The episode, part of the two-hour special aired on Nippon Television, welcomed first-time participant Koki, along with popular personality Yuta, for an engaging segment titled 'Goti ni Narimasu! 26'.
Koki, a rising star whose nervousness was palpable, expressed her excitement, stating, "I'm very nervous" as she prepared for her debut. Her affiliation with the show stemmed from previously watching it, specifically for Takanashi Fumiyo’s appearances, which she candidly revealed. This connection spurred reminiscence from the show’s cast, with Yuta boasting, "The opportunity to appear is thanks to me!" which prompted chuckles among viewers.
Add to this light-hearted banter, Yuta's reputation soared even higher after receiving commendation in the 'ViVi National Treasure Ikemen Ranking', igniting a friendly rivalry. When his accomplishment was shared, he proudly noted that his previous familiarity with Fumiyo made their competitive spirit a lighthearted topic.
The episode's theme was aptly titled “Be kind to yourself! Be beautiful! Self-love Goti,” aligning perfectly with the wellness trend that has swept across social media channels. Throughout the episode, the contestants were challenged to engage in the latest beauty goods and self-care practices. Kazuhisa Masuda, one of the show's regulars, joined forces with Koki to test a hand care treatment that recently gained popularity.
Designed to address concerns over hand drying, they immersed their hands in warm wax and were astonished when, upon removal, their skin felt exceptionally smooth. It was a delightful preview of the wide array of innovative beauty techniques showcased throughout the segment.
In a further display of her dedication to health, Koki shared a clip demonstrating her daily home training regimen. The other contestants were captivated by her discipline, with Koji's rigorous workout routines even leaving small-screen celebrity Koike Fuka starstruck. Adding to the culinary artistry of the show, Koki prepared elegant breakfast sweets live on set, presenting a mouthwatering mix of Greek yogurt, protein powder, and bananas. The cast admired the delicacy, exclaiming "How fancy!" in genuine surprise.
With self-care taking precedence this episode, Yuta introduced an LED facial mask, known to be a favored choice among overseas celebrities, particularly beneficial for his tendency to facial swelling. As he and Koike donned these futuristic masks, they transformed into quirky robot-like versions of themselves, instantly entertaining everyone in the studio.
However, amid these cheerful moments, there was a competitive backdrop with Shiraishi Mai, who previously stumbled twice in connection with financial penalties, making her emotional return. Coming back to the show, she asserted, "I came here with a change of heart," signaling her intent to reclaim her standing. Yet, when she attempted to showcase her impersonation skills, her nerve-fraught performance fell somewhat flat, creating what could only be described as a subtly awkward atmosphere.
This shift in mood did not hinder the enjoyment, as Yuta energized the atmosphere by sharing a comedic gag made famous by female comedian Yuri-yan Retriver. The audience erupted with laughter, prompting Koki to join the fun by executing her own amusing impersonation, which brought great delight to all present.
The culinary battleground this week was set at the prestigious Ginza Aster, a renowned establishment specializing in full-fledged Chinese cuisine. Contestants faced hefty stakes with a pre-set budget of 20,000 yen and an anticipated self-contribution totaling around 160,000 yen. Koki remarked on her rarity of dining out, as she generally opts for home-cooked meals, leading viewers to ponder whether her expectations would lead to a spectacular win or surprising loss.
As the episode culminated in high anticipation, Hanyu Shinichi revealed that the evening had resulted in an unusual outcome, declaring, "We have our first Pitari prize winner of the year!" This revelation ignited exhilarating reactions, specifically from Saya, who shouted in disbelief, “Seriously!” Such engagements captured the essence of the show, blending heartfelt reactions and authentic competition.
With the fate of the monetary prize hanging in the balance, eyes remained glued to Shiraishi as she prayed desperately for a change of fortune, her emotional plea illustrating the depths of rivalry and hope present among contestants. Finally, as the dust settled, speculation buzzed as to who would emerge victorious and reset their own self-imposed financial brackets.
As such, episode highlights have solidified the show’s entertaining blend of camaraderie, creativity, and competition that keeps its audience eagerly awaiting more each week. With participants going above and beyond in both heartfelt antics and competitive spirit, the 'Gurunai' series continues to charm audiences with every touch of glamour and savory surprises.
