On March 25, 2025, the popular Japanese television program "Sanma Palace" celebrates a remarkable milestone with its 800th regular broadcast. This special episode features a lineup of beloved celebrities who have previously won hit prizes, bringing together past winners for a memorable showcase of laughter and nostalgia.
The star-studded guest list includes Ayako Aida, who has impressively collected 13 hit prizes in her career, manga artist Koji Kumita, who has managed to win a hit prize in each of his three appearances, and the talented Akiyoshi Abe 123, along with Hiroji Abe, the father of Olympic gold medalists Uta and Hifumi Abe.
The episode will revisit memorable moments from the show, including flashbacks to past award-winning appearances. Viewers can expect humor-rich segments such as "Bursting! Hit Prize!! Legend Award," in which Airi Taira reflects on a playful moment when her forgetfulness was humorously highlighted, drawing laughter from the audience and sharp quips from Sanma.
Another interesting theme named "Is it just me who's wrong?" will showcase comedienne Shizu-chan of Nankai Candies fame. In this segment, Shizu-chan recounts a past encounter with Kuwabata, who criticized stories from married women, only for Kuwabata to hilariously interject during Shizu-chan's newfound marital bliss with quips about her lovey-dovey life.
Shizu-chan, married for three years, candidly shares delightful details from her partnership, stating, "We're so in love that we sleep snugly close together, feeling each other's heartbeat." This sparks disbelief and laughter among the guests, including Sanma, who seems to have no words for the display of affection.
Iejima furthers the humor in a segment as he talks about his "two-sword style life," which amuses Sanma and the conversation turns lively. SixTONES member Kyomoto Taka, who arranged a dining event with Travis Japan members Kaito Miyachika, Kaito Shimekake, and Kaito Matsukura, ponders whether his actions were perceived negatively since he felt uncertain about being fully recognized as a senior in the presence of younger colleagues.
In an amusing twist, voice actor Daisuke Namikawa shares his fear of horror genres. He humorously reveals that while acting in horror games, he avoids looking at the screen to spare himself from fright. “Whenever zombies appear, it’s just me screaming ‘No way!’, which turns into plain Namikawa.” His antics draw hearty laughs from both Sanma and the audience.
Meanwhile, Koji Kumita offers insights into his remarkably successful manga series. He expresses curiosity about the overwhelming praise it has received, stating, "I wonder why my running series gets such acclaim; I wish to boast about it only after its conclusion," rendering Sanma momentarily speechless with surprise.
Airi adds to the episode's charm by discussing her marriage and sharing encounters related to her husband, Yuuto Nagatomo, and the amusing challenges that arose post-marriage. Aida concludes the show with anecdotes on how to manage family complaints about her snoring, all while ensuring an evening filled with hearty entertainment.
Additionally, an unexpected surprise came in the form of Hiroji Abe, father to Hifumi and Uta, who garnered praise from Sanma for his good looks, drawing comparisons to actors. As the show begins, Sanma playfully criticizes Hiroji for sitting in the celebrity section despite claiming to be an ordinary person, prompting laughter amongst the audience. Hiroji admits, "I’m just here as a regular guy," but Sanma jokes, "You hit a home run with your first appearance!" This light-hearted banter highlights the show's knack for combining humor with celebrity culture.
Hiroji’s stunning resemblance to his talented offspring—his deep-set eyes and rugged features have not gone unnoticed on social media, with viewers commenting, “Uta Abe’s dad is on Sanma Palace; he’s hilarious!” and “Abe’s dad is a celebrity!” Such feedback exemplifies the immediate charm Hiroji brings to the program, solidifying the family’s appeal in the public eye.
In a light-hearted examination of human relationships and societal norms, the episode promises entertainment through lively discussions, comedic interactions, unforgettable moments, and touching reflections from its notable guests.
Fans of the show and newcomers alike will not want to miss this anniversary special, as it reaffirms its status as a staple of Japanese television, marked by humor, camaraderie, and the captivating essence of its guests. With a generous mix of nostalgia and fresh anecdotes, the excitement is palpable as the legendary program continues to make history, one laugh at a time.
