On April 15, 2025, a lively episode of the Nippon Television program titled "Entertainment World Mama Corps SP" brought together a group of female entertainers who are also mothers. Among them was Matsuura Ami, who shared her daily struggles with laundry as a mother of five, a revelation that sparked both laughter and outrage.
Matsuura, who lives with her husband, two children, and mother, revealed that she washes four loads of laundry each day, using a 45-liter laundry basket. "I have an incredible amount of laundry to deal with," she lamented, surprising her fellow cast members with her admission. She explained that the sheer volume of washing often leaves her overwhelmed, stating, "I’m the only one who can’t wear a hoodie."
The issue arose from her family’s preference for hoodies, which she hangs on both ends of the laundry pole to dry. However, with only two laundry poles available, Matsuura expressed her frustration: "My husband wears one, my son wears one, my daughter wears one, and even my grandmother wears one. I’m the only one who can’t wear a hoodie!" This humorous yet poignant complaint resonated with the audience, highlighting the often-overlooked burdens of household chores.
Meanwhile, the episode took a sharp turn when fellow cast member Daimaou Kosaka made an inappropriate remark that ignited controversy. During the show, he boasted about never having done laundry or even touched a washing machine. His audacity escalated when he was asked to fold laundry as part of a test. Struggling with the task, he blurted out, "Women should do it," which immediately drew ire from the female cast.
The reaction was swift and fierce. Female entertainers expressed their outrage, stating, "That remark is no good," and "In this day and age, how can you say that?" The atmosphere shifted dramatically as the women confronted Daimaou, with one even questioning, "You’re wearing the pants I wore!" His comment was deemed not only outdated but disrespectful, leading to a significant backlash on social media.
Adding to the tension, Minami Kawa, who appeared alongside Daimaou as a supportive figure, found herself unable to defend his comment, indicating the severity of the situation. Daimaou, seemingly realizing the gravity of his words, remained apologetic and accepted a receipt for over 10,000 yen that Matsuura had brought to the show, a gesture that seemed to underscore his discomfort.
This episode of "Entertainment World Mama Corps SP" not only highlighted the challenges faced by mothers juggling family responsibilities but also showcased the ongoing struggle for gender equality in domestic tasks. Matsuura’s candidness about her daily routine and Daimaou’s controversial remarks opened up a broader conversation about societal expectations and the division of labor at home.
The juxtaposition of Matsuura’s relatable struggles with Daimaou’s misguided comments served as a reminder of the evolving dynamics within households and the need for greater awareness and respect for the work that goes into maintaining a family. As Matsuura concluded her segment, her humor and honesty resonated with viewers, leaving them to ponder the balance of household responsibilities.
In the end, the show provided a platform for discussing not just the challenges of laundry but also the deeper implications of gender roles in modern society. As Matsuura and her fellow entertainers continue to navigate their roles as mothers and public figures, their experiences shed light on the often-unseen labor that keeps families running.
