The Yoshimoto Shinkigeki New Year's Day special has become somewhat of a staple for comedy lovers in Japan, and the latest installment, titled "ハッピーニューパンティ～テックス！ へび～な恋は山あり谷あり沼地あり！？", did not disappoint. Airing on January 4, 2025, on MBS television, the program brought together some of the top names from the Yoshimoto comedic troupe, including the beloved Shimada Tamayo, who is recognized as the face of Yoshimoto Shinkigeki.
Shimada opened the show with her characteristic flair, greeting the audience with "明けましておめでとうございます". The laughter began with her comedic presentation of the "パンティーテックス" act, instantly winning over the crowd. This New Year special had the unique charm of featuring both veteran and younger comedians, appealing to all demographics of Yoshimoto fans.
New Year specials are often known for their glitz and glamour, and the show celebrated the Yoshimoto Shinkigeki's 65th anniversary by showcasing various sketches and comedic acts. Among the standout performances was Shimada, who portrayed the role of a single woman opposing her brother's plans to marry. This narrative not only provided humor but also reflected the relatable themes of love and familial relationships.
During the course of the performance, the dynamics between characters were comically exaggerated, with Shimada famously saying to her on-stage brother, "やらないと皆が帰ってこない", which left the audience erupting with laughter. Another memorable moment included her humorous commentary about the other characters, including calling one of them "彫刻刀みたいな顔" as part of the comedic banter.
The star-studded cast was not limited to Shimada, with appearances from veterans like Kanpei Hazama and younger talents like Aki and Yoshida Yu pairing up with Shimada for various skits, creating moments of comedic gold. The narrative centered around wacky love stories, encapsulating the whimsy of the New Year celebrations through hashtags of humor, joy, and laughter.
Another highlight of the program was the interplay between comedic routines and how different characters played off each other. The excitement escalated when Shimada, during another skit, performed her own version of the now-popular gag "おしりバーガー半額です!!" which left the crowd wanting more. She humorously described the performance afterward, recalling moments of panic and excitement, stating, "動悸、息切れ、めまいがすごくて" post-performance — showcasing the toll live comedy can take on performers.
By the end of the show, the energy had only increased. The grand finale involved all major characters dancing to the tune of "エクスタシー", wrapping up the special on a high note, as Shimada once again reiterated her comedic intentions, jokingly promising, "必ず辻本さんにキスします" for the new year.
Following the overwhelming laughter and fun of the New Year's Day special, fans left the theater buzzing with excitement for what lay ahead for Shimada and the Yoshimoto Shinkigeki troupe, particularly their plans leading up to 2025.
With the foundation laid, this year's programming hints sweetly at even more nostalgia and comedic surprises. Yoshimoto Shinkigeki remains committed to bringing laughter to its audience with vibrant performances and the beloved tradition of New Year specials paving the way.
The enduring legacy of Shimada and her co-stars solidifies the timeless appeal of Yoshimoto Shinkigeki, as they not only hold onto tradition but also evolve to captivate new audiences. Going forward, it will be intriguing to see how these comedic legends will continue to reshape Japanese humor, combining past elements with innovative ideas to pave the path for the future. The discussions and whispers surrounding their 2025 plans suggest big things on the horizon!