On February 24, 2025, Japanese television will present a special variety show featuring the beloved comedy duo Sandwich Man as they explore the culinary riches of Kyoto, titled 帰れマンデー見っけ隊!! (Kikaeru Monday Mission!!). Airing from 7 PM to 9:54 PM on TV-Asahi, the episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of Kyoto’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The show stars actress Michiko Haneda, actor Naohito Fujiki, and Yugo Kochi from the popular boy band SixTONES, who join Sandwich Man on this gastronomic adventure. Together, they will navigate through the breathtaking backdrop of Kyoto, searching for Edo-era gourmet restaurants and claiming hidden treasures, all the whilst engaging their viewers with humor and charm.
The adventure kicks off from the historic Gion area, where the group makes their first stop at Yasaka Shrine, prompted by Haneda’s suggestion to start the trip with a visit. With the duo from Sandwich Man flaunting their knowledge gained from their previous shows, the team’s comedic rivalry adds to the light-hearted tone of the episode. "任せてください！" Haneda confidently declares, indicating her eagerness to guide them through Kyoto.
After the initial sightseeing, the team's quest takes them to explore national treasures such as the "超巨大龍" (giant dragon), painted on the walls of Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. Awed by the artwork, the participants respond with enthusiastic exclamations of amazement: "すごすぎる！"(This is amazing!). The combined experience of culture and humor during explorations keeps the viewers entertained.
Food takes center stage, too, as the participants indulge in delicious local specialties. The group encounters 'kuzukiri', a delicate confection available only for 10-15 minutes before losing its quality—delighted by its presentation and taste, they can't help but exclaim how delicious it is, creating hilarious interactions and laughter among them!
They also tackle the peculiar '一本うどん' (ippon-udon), which is just one thick noodle served with a delicious broth. Participants are shocked at its unique appearance but are equally surprised by the hearty taste. These taste tests, sprinkled with quotable moments of joy and mishaps as Haneda humorously experiences unexpected events, will surely leave the viewers giggling.
Later, the team traverses to Tōji and Nishi Hongan-ji areas, where they visit the iconic five-story pagoda, which is usually off-limits. The rarity of the opportunity to see national treasures such as displayed Buddhas adds to the emotional gravity of their visit.
For the grand finale, they make their way to the Flying Cloud Pavilion, another national treasure that's usually closed to the public. The team's surprised reactions to various hidden gems wrap up the episode beautifully, stirring the viewers' curiosity about the treasures of historical Kyoto they have yet to explore.
Through this episode, audiences can enjoy not only the comedic camaraderie among the guests and hosts but also gain insights on the rich culture and delicious cuisine unique to Kyoto. The blend of humor, awe-inspiring views, and mouth-watering dishes promises to make this variety special both engaging and unforgettable!