The New Year’s special of the television program Agaawa’s Sunday Choice delighted viewers with breathtaking winter scenery and enthusiastic haiku competitions, all set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji. This special aired on January 5, 2025, at 8:56 PM, hosted by Sawako Agawa, and featured popular guests, including the charismatic comedian Kimimaro Ayakouji.
Agaawa’s Sunday Choice is aimed primarily at active seniors over 50, offering them choices to enrich their lives during this vibrant age. This latest installment took participants on a scenic tour to the must-visit spots for winter. Among them were the picturesque Mount Fuji, Shiraito Falls, Mont Saint Fuji, and the Time's Earth Highland Resort, showcasing both stunning views and delicious local cuisine.
Equipped with their haiku pens, the participants enjoyed the serenity of nature as they indulged in culinary treats such as houtou — a hearty vegetable noodle dish, motsuni — a rich stew of beef tripe, and fine unagi — grilled eel. The stakes were amusingly high, as Kimimaro Ayakouji humorously stated, "The haiku competitions are serious, and the stakes are high — the losers can't eat!" This playful yet competitive encouragement set the tone for the festivities.
On this unique haiku tour, Kimimaro Ayakouji led the group with insights about each breathtaking stop. He, having fallin for Mount Fuji's allure, built his home near Lake Kawaguchi just to be close to this iconic mountain. The guests ventured to the serene Kimimaro Chaya, his own establishment, where they interacted with the charming golden Hotei — believed to bring good fortune. This location had even attracted Norio Sasaki, the former coach of the historic Nadeshiko Japan team, for pre-tournament blessings.
Throughout the tour, the culinary experiences were highlighted as the group sampled treats made from local ingredients. The warm atmosphere bubbled with laughter and camaraderie, as they savored unique blends of herbal teas and traditional sweets known as oshiruko.
High praise was reserved for their haiku critiques, delivered by Takashi Hoshino, the great-grandson of renowned haiku master Kyoshi Takahama. His sharp yet affectionate assessments kept all participants on their toes, prompting Sawako Agawa to remark, "Your chatting is truly like 5-7-5, isn't it?" The guest haiku specialists engaged deeply with the beautiful natural settings, crafting verses inspired by winter’s chill and the tranquility of the falls.
Among the scenic highlights was Shiraito Falls, nationally recognized as both a scenic spot and natural monument. Here, the contestants drew inspiration from the impressive display of cascading water, creating immediate and vivid haikus. Each line echoed the beauty of its surroundings, as lines inspired by the theme of water flowed freely amid the lush winter scenery.
The adventure continued to the lighted wonderland at Time's Earth Highland Resort, which offered dazzling illumination shows featuring Japan’s largest fountain. The participants expressed awe, exclaiming, "Wow, it's beautiful! Look at the rainbow!" The spectacle of lights added to the excitement, culminating with the final haiku face-off, where extravagant dishes awaited them. This included unagi don, selected as one of Japan's top eel dishes, which left the group buzzing with anticipation.
The excitement reached its peak during the conclusion of the haiku competition. Hoshino commented enthusiastically, "There's no room for entry with such strong lines!" as he awarded the coveted prize to the entry he admired most. The thrilling atmosphere showcased the passionate engagement of participants, making for memorable New Year's entertainment.
Overall, this special episode not only provided insight and guidance for engaging seniors but also captivated audiences with its blend of fun, culture, and breathtaking winter landscapes. It combined the essence of travel, food, and poetry beautifully, underscoring the show’s contribution to promoting a rich and active lifestyle for Japan’s vibrant senior community.