On March 22, 2025, at 18:00, Tokyo MX will air the latest episode of "Panseru Ogata's Stilt Walk," a unique street exploration program featuring Takahiro Ogata from the comedy trio Panser. This episode, number 19 of the series, focuses on the Ultraman shopping street located near Zoshigaya Otsuka Station on the Odakyu Line. In a twist, Ogata faces significant challenges due to poor conditions while on stilts.
The premise of the show is to highlight the charm of local shopping streets, and Ogata does this with enthusiasm as he embarks on his stilt journey. However, fans will want to tune in for the unexpected twist: Ogata encounters a crisis that threatens the segment. As anticipation builds, viewers will be left speculating who or what will help him out of this predicament.
Among the hotspots he visits is a hot dog stand famed for its juicy products, which leaves Ogata thoroughly impressed. Additionally, he lends a helping hand to the owners of a local Chinese restaurant, attempting a daunting task of babysitting their three children while they manage their business. This showcases his versatility and willingness to engage with the community.
A highlight of the episode is when Ogata faces off against an Ultraman expert in a stilt quiz battle, a true test of his Ultraman knowledge. This quiz adds an exciting layer to the episode, tying in with the Ultraman theme of the shopping street itself.
The episode promises to take a surprise turn as Ogata visits a bicycle shop linked to a significant figure in the entertainment industry, offering viewers a delightful reveal at the end. The half-hour segment is set to be packed with humor, touching moments, and engaging interactions.
After filming, Ogata expressed his delight at the warm reception he received from locals, with one fan proclaiming, "Ogata-san, I really like you!" He remarked that such personal comments are rare and truly heartwarming, emphasizing the thriving nature of the Zoshigaya community and its great eateries.
The show’s producer commented on the uniqueness of this episode, indicating that it features a "super miracle big helper" from the entertainment industry, which adds an exciting element not seen in previous episodes.
Alongside Ogata’s adventures, the Ultraman shopping district's significance is highlighted by narrator Saburo Isshiki, who reminisced about having frequented the area, further enhancing the local connection.
Meanwhile, on March 20, 2025, KONAMI is set to host a special live broadcast called "Post-Representative Battle! eFootball Challenge Cup" on their official YouTube channel, starting around 21:45. This live event will be a following celebration directly after the much-anticipated Japan versus Bahrain match.
The event will feature 14 groups, including well-known figures like Kanata Hongo, SHAKA, and Takahiro Ogata himself, who will all compete in various gaming challenges using the teams featured in the match. Among the competitive activities is a scoring competition dubbed the "Goal King Decision Battle" along with a co-op team battle called the "Strongest King Decision Battle," accommodating up to three players.
In addition, KONAMI is introducing a social media campaign to commemorate the live broadcast with several exciting prizes like signed merchandise from Japan national team player Takefusa Kubo.
Players can also participate in a challenge event titled "Ticket to the World" where they can use representative teams to compete against AI opponents from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, allowing fans to get closer to the excitement of these pivotal matches.
The eFootball game was recently revamped, transitioning from the longstanding "Winning Eleven" brand to its new moniker effective from September 12, 2024. It offers free basic gameplay options and allows players to build their dream teams featuring renowned legends from Japanese soccer.
Emotionally charged scenes are expected as fans engage in the day's contests and predict outcomes for the upcoming Japan versus Bahrain and Japan versus Saudi Arabia matches, further heightening the enthusiasm around the events.
The journey of Takahiro Ogata through the vibrant Ultraman shopping street and the fervor of the "eFootball Challenge Cup" illustrates the symbiotic connection between entertainment, community engagement, and sports, making March 2025 a vibrant month for fans in Japan.