On March 10, 2025, TV viewers will be treated to the special three-hour episode of the popular show 'Kaere Monday Kettei-tai!!', airing on TV Asahi from 7:00 PM to 9:54 PM JST. This episode will see the beloved comedy duo Sandwichman embarking on a culinary adventure across various regions, prominently featuring Ishinomaki and Minami Sanriku, both of which are located in Miyagi Prefecture. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the catastrophic Great East Japan Earthquake, which struck on March 11, 2011. The show aims to commemorate the resilience and recovery of these areas, bringing attention to their thriving food scene.
Joining Sandwichman on their expedition are Iinohara Hayato, former Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles manager Mutsuki Imae, and Zen & Kazuki Iio, who will explore the flavors of Ishinomaki and Minami Sanriku. The spotlight will shine on local delicacies such as Ishinomaki's renowned 'Ara~men', a unique ramen dish made with white fish soup. Mikio Date, one of the members of Sandwichman, expresses his excitement about the dish, stating it’s “incredibly delicious!” as he invites his companions to taste this culinary delight.
After savoring the 'Ara~men', the crew, fueled by their love for local cuisine, heads to try another of Ishinomaki's famous dishes—yakisoba. With the flavors enhanced by seafood broth and eggs, the group thoroughly enjoys this local specialty as well, with Imagawa and Iino enthusiastically digging in and even adding rice to their meals. The experience continues with impressive sweets, including the highly praised 'madeleine', 'baумkuhen', and 'tako-wasa', demonstrating the area’s diverse culinary offerings.
Taking the exploration to new heights, the episode features a exclusive visit to the Matsushima Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Here, Sandwichman and their guests are treated to the spectacular aerial performances of the Blue Impulse flight team. Following the events of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Blue Impulse's displays have served as beacons of hope, turning the eyes of the community upwards and away from despair. This time, they deliver not only thrilling acrobatics but also powerful emotional messages of support for the recovery efforts underway throughout Miyagi and Ishikawa Prefectures.
Next, the show transitions to the coastal wonders of Ishikawa Prefecture, focusing on Wajima City located on the scenic Noto Peninsula—an area still feeling the effects of the January 1, 2024, Noto Peninsula earthquake. Keen to discover the local gourmet scene, the Sandwichman duo, along with comedian Murotsuyoshi and soccer personality Toshiaki Goto, interacts with community members and immerses themselves in the rich history and exceptional products the region has to offer.
During their time, they visit the Wajima Nuri Kaikan, which displays and sells exquisite Wajima lacquer products. Captivated by the fine craftsmanship, each member of the team selects distinctive pieces, marking the experience with cherished memories. Alongside exploring artisanal displays, Sandwichman champions local eateries as they immerse themselves within the vibrant atmosphere of the Wajima Morning Market.
Upon hearing about the Sandwichman crew's presence, local residents welcomed them with uproarious cheers, creating memorable exchanges filled with laughter and joy. The camaraderie is evident as the group indulges in dry fish, sweets, and locally curated products from the market, overwhelming their hearts and palates with the flavors of Wajima.
Continuing their culinary exploration, they sample popular dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients, such as the luxurious 'Wajimon Don' made with Noto seafood, and the remarkable 'Noto Beef'. The rich flavors elicit passionate reactions from the group, with exclamations of “delicious!” capturing the spirit of the moment. Sweet treats are also on the menu, as they indulge in scrumptious apple pie and cream puffs from vendors at the market—every bite offering another delightful experience.
Throughout this invigorative and heartwarming episode, the Sandwichman crew embarks on nostalgic visits, returning to the 'Miracle Hot Spring', which they previously featured six years ago. They wonder how this notable site has transformed since then and what new memories await them there.
This special episode not only highlights the exquisite tastes of Miyagi and Ishikawa but also serves to honor the resilience and spirit of people recovering from devastating natural disasters. With laughter filling the air and pride for their hometown echoed within the storytelling, 'Kaere Monday Kettei-tai!!' will surely leave viewers with hope and optimism.
The broadcast will be available for limited viewing on TVer and will also be accessible on the TELASA streaming platform, providing audiences with both new and past episodes of the show.