On March 22, 2023, viewers of TBS's popular variety show "Wednesday Downtown" witnessed what was meant to be a heartwarming moment turn sour, as Kuroyanagi from the comedy trio Yasuda Dai Circus proposed to his girlfriend, Lichi, during the show. The excitement surrounding the proposal was palpable, but what unfolded next shocked many.
Kuroyanagi, 48, had been dating Lichi, 28, for two years following their introduction on the show’s segment called "Monster Love". Their relationship blossomed publicly, with Kuroyanagi frequently affirming his affection. Just last year, he boldly declared, "I really like you, and I want to be with you more. Please marry me." This, combined with their social media displays of romance, painted the picture of couple goals.
Leading up to the proposal episode, viewers had been engaged with the storyline dubbed "New Spring Kuroyanagi Real-life Sugoroku." The premise was unique: Kuroyanagi was unaware of the show's single-proposal scheme, following him through various life scenarios dictated by dice rolls until he reached the final square labeled "Proposal?" With much thought—supposedly after one week of contemplation—Kuroyanagi prepared himself to make the leap. He chose the spot where their relationship began, near the picturesque Rainbow Bridge, and with the ring purchased with cash, he was ready for his big moment.
The scene unfolded dramatically, with Kuroyanagi emotionally stating, "Here is where we started to date. I have been thinking about this for the last week. I want to be with you and make you happy. Please marry me!" Viewers anticipated joy and celebration, but what happened next shifted the tone entirely.
Lichi, with tears streaming down her face, replied, "Thank you, Kuroyanagi. But I cannot get married. Today, I want to end everything. I have reached my limit long ago." Her unexpected rejection left audiences reeling, as social media exploded with reactions, pondering the couple's fate and the reasons behind the abrupt turn of events.
Around the time of the proposal, hints of strain had been noticed by watchers as public appearances had dwindled. Speculation arose about Lichi's marriage criteria, as she had previously stated Kuroyanagi had certain conditions she did not meet. Speaking on the topic during her VTR on another show, she candidly shared, "He has conditions for marriage, such as being between 20 and 24 years old and earning over 8 million yen. I don’t meet those conditions... so I guess I have to improve myself to get married." It was evident there was more beneath the surface of their relationship dynamics.
Before the proposal episode aired, Kuroyanagi had made statements at public events, claiming, "If this continues, I would marry!" implying confidence and commitment to Lichi. Yet, there he stood, heartbroken, grappling with the reality of her rejection on national television.
The aftermath of this televised proposal seems to leave both Kuroyanagi and Lichi at crossroads, with heartbreak for one and the freedom for another. The surprise breakup reflects the pressures and expectations can have on relationships presented so publicly, particularly on reality television shows.
Still, the love story of Kuroyanagi and Lichi will likely be dissected for some time, as fans of reality television and the couple eagerly await any updates. No doubt, this poignant episode serves as another reminder of how love and relationships can often bring both joy and heartbreak.