On March 16, 2025, Japanese comedian Gadaru Kaneru Taka, 68, and his wife, renowned talent Hashimoto Chiho, 57, created quite the buzz during their appearance on BS Fuji's talk show ''Heart Full TV: The Bug Encyclopedia''. The two recounted their rather unique love story, which surprisingly began with what many would deem a very rushed romance.
When Hashimoto first met Taka, she was just starting her career as an announcer for Fukuoka Broadcasting. The unlikely pair's first encounter during a special program made quite the impression. Hashimoto, who was not familiar with Taka or his notoriety, had done her homework on him. Looking up his name, she found mentions of his participation in the infamous ''Friday incident'', which made her feel anxious, expecting to meet someone fearsome. Yet, when they finally met face to face, she described him as ''a really nice person'', changing her initial perspective completely.
Reflecting on the couple's history, Hashimoto recalled, ''I only met him four times before we got married.'' This quick progression was astonishing to her and the show's host, Ikue Sakakibara, who laughed at the unconventionality of their wedding plans. Sakakibara even commented, ''It’s strange to see such different people as married. How could you guys get married so quickly?''
Many aspects contributed to Taka's surprising proposal. Notably, it was the year marking the 10th anniversary of the formation of Takeshi Army Corps, the group Taka was part of. According to Taka, there was internal pressure within the group as they felt there was ''no star attraction'' among them at the time. His fellow member, Duncan, nudged him, saying, ''Taka, you really should get married. Remember the girl from Fukuoka you were dating?'' Under this mild persuasion, Taka decided to reach out to Hashimoto.
The proposal, as it turned out, was unexpected and straightforward, consisting of just three words: ''I want to marry you''—a simple yet genuine declaration. Hashimoto recalled her reaction vividly, stating, ''Who are you talking about? Me?'' The shock of the proposal was palpable, as it caught her completely off-guard.
Despite the randomness of their courtship and proposal, Hashimoto did not see the speed of their marriage as problematic. She explained, ''They said there was no star attraction on the TV shows. I thought to myself, if we are making it exciting, then let's do it!'' Her pragmatic approach reflected her experience working behind the scenes at television production. She willingly decided to embrace the unconventional proposal, turning it from just entertainment TV banter to personal reality.
This candid discussion highlighted the couple's quirky adventure spanning over three decades, bringing out not just laughter but also lessons about love shaped by spontaneity. Their story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of love and relationships, where timing and circumstances can lead to unexpected yet rewarding outcomes.
Now nearly three decades after their union, Taka and Hashimoto have experienced the ups and downs of life together, creating memories both on and off camera. The couple continues to resonate with fans, demonstrating how differences can bring people together, becoming the heart of their collective narrative.
Reflecting back on their experiences with fondness, Taka mused, ''It took just one proposal but created years of shared life filled with laughter and support.'' The humorous nuances of their relationship intertwine with the foundational principles of companionship, strength, and perseverance as they navigate through challenges and cherish moments of joy.
Indeed, this lively couple gives insight not only about their past but also the timeless message: love can come when least expected, and it hardly needs endless meetings to flourish.
Through candid moments shared on stage, it becomes clear: for Taka and Hashimoto, their love story is not just about exclamations of surprise but also about the shared laughter and commitment they continue to embody. "Back then, we were just two unpolished jewels, discovering the shine together," Hashimoto remarked as the show drew to a close.
