On January 1, 2025, Naomi Watanabe will make her highly-anticipated debut on the Fuji TV variety special 'Drif ni Dai Chousen Seichou,' airing from 5:00 PM to 8:50 PM. This special features Watanabe joining the beloved comedy duo Takagi Boo and Kato Cha, as they lead the show through several uproarious skits. Among the pieces Watanabe will perform are classics such as 'Raijin-sama,' 'Kamisama,' and 'Tsuru no Ongaeshi.'
Watanabe's engagement was announced recently, marking her urgent participation as she returns from her extensive career abroad—most recently highlighted by her successes following her move to New York. Already established as one of the leading figures of international comedy, she is now set to undertake this notable challenge alongside legends from the world of Japanese entertainment.
During the 'Raijin-sama' skit, Watanabe is set to play the daughter role of Takagi Boo, who. The smooth transition from her life abroad to the comedic world of 'Drif' showcases her ability to integrate her New York-honed sense of rhythm and dance. She makes quite the entrance as she performs passionately, adorned with elaborate music and choreography, bringing her New York flair back to Japan.
"I am truly honored to be part of 'Drif,'" Watanabe expressed. "Since I was little, I have watched the show and aspired to perform these sketches. Learning from Kato-san and Ken Shimura's rhythm was instrumental to my growth as a comedian. This moment, being able to perform with Takagi and Kato, and alongside other cast members, is just magical for me!"
Despite her excitement, she mentioned feeling quite nervous about the performance. "During the recording, I was really anxious. I didn’t know how to proceed toward the actual filming, and was surprised how quickly we dove right in after some brief rehearsals. When I put on the wig for the 'Raijin-sama' skit, I thought to myself, 'Wow, I’m really standing on this stage!'"
Another fascinating addition to this special will be Watanabe's portrayal of the character of 'Kamisama' (God). Here, she portrays the archetypal god, who is somewhat frail and bumbling, leading to comical misunderstandings with the other characters. This re-envisioning pays homage to the original portrayal by the late actor Ken Shimura, who was known for his sharp comedic timing and personification of various roles.
Watanabe’s performances are not just about laughs; they carry significant emotional weight, showcasing her range as both actress and comedian. When asked how living abroad has shaped her view of Japanese comedy, she replied, "Japanese comedy is bold, speedy, and powerful. Even overseas, I find clips of early 'Drif' being shared widely. People are saying 'What is this!' when they watch it, and I feel proud of Japanese humor. It's made me feel incredibly lucky to be raised within this environment."
High-profile guests such as actress Mao Oda will also feature on the special, sharing the stage with talented comedians like the winners of the 'King of Cont 2024' competition. This collaboration adds more depth and excitement to the production, promising to deliver not just comedy sketches but also heartfelt interactions between actors who carry the legacy of Japanese entertainment forward.
According to Kato Cha, appearing on the show is as exhilarating as it is nostalgic. "Hearing everyone's discussions about the skits was just enormously fun. The individuality on display adds so much to this experience! The nerves were palpable at first, but as everyone relaxed, the magic began to unravel," he reflected.
Takagi Boo expressed gratitude for the continuing legacy of 'Drif,' attributing its longevity to the ever-evolving talents who bring their unique perspectives to the show. He emphasized, "Even when we revisit old comedy sketches, there’s always something fresh and surprising because of the new cast. I believe this is how 'Drif' stays alive and thrives."
With Watanabe’s special participation and the contributions from other well-known performers, viewers are set for an unforgettable comedic experience on New Year’s Day. The show promises laughter and joy, and both Watanabe and her veteran co-stars are eager to present their best work to the audience.
Mark your calendars for January 1, 2025, as 'Drif ni Dai Chousen Seichou' takes the stage, aiming to fill homes across Japan with hilarity and cheer to kick off the New Year exactly right!
