On January 26, 2025, Yagi Masumi from the popular Japanese comedy duo Sabanna appeared on the show 'ABEMA的ニュースショー,' where he shared his insights on living without pretension, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the true essence of individuals.
Yagi, who obtained the highest qualification as a financial planner last year, began by advocating for a lifestyle devoid of ostentation. He believes this approach allows one to genuinely appreciate people's abilities and personalities. "By living without showing off, you can truly see the charm and abilities of people, and their essence becomes clear," he stated.
During the show, hosted by comedian Chihara Junior, Yagi elaborated on his concept of '脱見栄' (datsu mie) or 'living without pretense.' He suggested practical tips for everyday life, starting with the way people choose to present themselves. "When it [comes to watches], it's more about functionality than price. The more expensive they are, the harder it can be to read," he remarked, emphasizing how sometimes simpler is just plain smarter.
Yagi also recommended wearing the same clothes regularly, stating, "Wearing the same clothes is actually good; it makes it easier to be spotted during meetups and shows presence at the company. Feeling embarrassed about the same outfit is just up to the third time. After three wears, people begin to think, 'This person must be intentionally wearing this outfit,' which changes the perception.”
His philosophy doesn’t just stop at clothing. Yagi even shared his views on living spaces, asserting, "Having smaller living spaces creates peace; I live in 14 tsubo (about 46.4 square meters) but feel my family is always lively in it." This sparked laughter from the studio, as Chihara Junior responded, jokingly countering, "That’s not true! It’s about your personal potential, Yagi!"
The discussion drew attention to the societal pressures to showcase wealth and status. Several guests joined the conversation about why people feel compelled to impress others. Fellow comedian Shinohara Akira opened up about his own experiences: "I usually drive a shared light car because I don't own one. But during school pick-ups, I see many luxury cars and feel the urge to rent something fancier. It’s really unnecessary pretension!"
Conversing about this notion, Chihara Junior admitted, "I’ve only been driving rare cars, so I always worry people might think I’m trying to show off during school runs.” His words echoed back to Yagi's points about how pretense masquerades under various guises, forcing individuals to manage their image instead of being authentically themselves.
Throughout the broadcast, viewers were not only treated to comedy but also deep insights on personal value systems. The show aims to challenge the audience’s perception of what 'success' and 'status' should look like.
Yagi’s way of living - focused more on inner qualities rather than external displays - reflects both personal growth and social awareness. His blend of humor and honest advice was well-received, leaving the audience inspired to rethink their approaches to everyday life.
ABEMA continues to explore the truths behind everyday societal habits with shows like 'ABEMA的ニュースショー,' extending beyond typical news analysis to engage viewers with entertaining discourse on life choices and values. For those interested, this episode is currently available for on-demand viewing through ABEMA.