On March 7, 2025, the popular TBS morning variety show 'Love it!' celebrated its remarkable milestone of 1000 broadcasts, bringing together beloved guests and entertainers for this special occasion. Among the highlights was the presence of the rock band Sambomaster, who transformed the studio atmosphere with their lively performances, particularly their theme song 'Humanity!', which echoed through the hall as the show opened.
Hosted by the comedic duo of Akira Kawashima from the Ungirls and TBS announcer Mako Tamura, the day's episode not only marked this significant milestone but also showcased the show's ability to entertain and engage its audience throughout its run, which began on March 29, 2021. During the live broadcast, Sambomaster's vocalist Takashi Yamaguchi called out to absent bassist Yoichi Kondo, setting the stage for their heartfelt performance even as Kondo remained home to recover from health issues.
Despite the absence of the bassist, the band successfully managed to deliver three songs, igniting excitement among the audience. The studio was filled with energy as Tamura, visibly moved by the live performance, was seen wiping tears during Sambomaster's spirited rendition, especially after their concluding song 'Kagayaki dashite hashitteku.'
Mone Kamishiraishi, another guest on this celebratory episode, appeared alongside her co-star Daiki Shigeoka from the newly released film 'Love Letter, 35 Years Later,' which premiered on the same day. The starlet shared her emotional response to the band's performance, stating, "I was so moved. This kind of program is necessary for the morning hours in Japan." Kawashima and Tamura's praises for her insights were heartfelt and spontaneous.
Adding to the day's festivities, the show celebrated Sambomaster's achievement, recognizing them as the 32nd group to complete the 'Grand Slam' challenge. This commendable feat involved performing every weekday on the program, earning them commemorative towels as tokens of appreciation, though humorously, due to Kondo's absence, Kawashima remarked, "Since Kondo did not reach Grand Slam, we must be strict here!"
The celebratory atmosphere continued as the segment featured the signature prize darts challenge filled with luxurious gifts, amounting to up to 1 million yen. Tamura, who was anxious about her dart skills, humorously succumbed to the thrill of the challenge when her throw surprisingly landed on 'Everyone Gets Bilibiri,' design, leading to playful banter among co-stars as they reacted with disbelief: "How did it go there? It's a miracle!"
Despite missing the mark for the luxurious prizes, Tamura's unexpected finale reminded everyone of the unique quirks of 'Love it!' as participants ended up undergoing the playful 'bilibiri' punishment. The warmth and camaraderie among the cast were palpable, with Kawashima happily concluding, "This is Love it!" and Tamura expressing her gratitude and affection for the audience by saying, "I love everyone! Thank you!"
Kamishiraishi couldn't resist adding her own humorous reflection after the punishment took place, which left her and the others chuckling about the light-hearted nature of the game, emphasizing the bond strengthened through shared experiences, declaring "This is painful, but it's what makes Love it! so special."
To wrap up the stunning episode, not only did it encapsulate significant achievements over the years, but it also provided a glimpse of what 'Love it!' continues to stand for - entertainment, relationship building, and heartfelt moments among guests and hosts alike. With Kikuta's participation affirming their unique niche within Japan’s morning programming, the show promises to provide more engaging content for all its devoted fans.
The mixture of humor, talent, genuine emotion, and viewer engagement defines the 1000th episode as more than just numerical achievement; it transforms it, turning the milestone celebration of 'Love it!' not simply, but rather as pivotal, enriching, and memorable.