On January 9, Takachi Yuugo, a member of the popular boy band SixTONES, showcased his artistic flair on the TBS program 'Pleasant Battle!!', where celebrities reveal hidden talents and are evaluated by experts.
During this episode, the participants engaged in two main challenges: glass art and haiku. Takachi, along with fellow contestants Ootomo Kouhei, Enako, Mirichamu, and Yoshichan from Onikoto Tomahawk, each attempted their hand at creating unique items from glass.
This was not the first time the show featured glass art, as it previously received positive feedback. This time around, the participants were tasked with producing creative pieces suited for home use. Takachi opted to create a toothbrush holder, channeling his creativity and technical skills.
Mirichamu, noted for his determination, humorously stated, "I worked so hard it made my muscles ache," referring to his effort to produce a feeding dish for his pet cat. Enako, recognized globally for her cosplay, decided on crafting a ring stand. Kouhei, who enjoys alcoholic beverages, fashioned rock glasses, contributing to the diversity of items produced.
The climax of the glass art segment came when Kobayashi Daisuke, the glass artist evaluating the pieces, proclaimed, "It's cute, I want it!" This comment came about the top-rated creation of the day, showcasing the high standards of talent present during the episode. The enthusiasm was palpable as the audience applauded, leading to the creator being awarded the status of ‘special student’ on the show—a prestigious recognition denoting exceptional artistic ability.
Shifting to the haiku segment, contestants faced unique challenges. The theme for this round was ‘omikuji,’ or fortune slips, offering insight and creativity rooted deeply within Japanese culture. While participants showcased their original compositions, the results were mixed, with several encountering difficulties, yielding numerous scores labeled 'talentless'.
Mori Sako Eri, a junior performer aiming for mastery, voiced her commitment saying, "When composing haiku, I pour my spirit to write." This dedication was mirrored by the other contestants, who equally awaited feedback on their poetic efforts. The alum of previous haiku challenges and noted veteran, Umezawa Tomio, also made headlines with his creations, drawing comments from viewers and judges alike.
This instigated questions about the pressures and expectations placed on creative outputs. The juxtaposition of Takachi's vibrant glass arts and the somber tone of the haiku segment highlighted the episode's tumultuous nature between artistic freedom and personal expression.
Overall, the episode encapsulated the spirit of discovery, leaving audiences wondering about future endeavors these celebrities will undertake. Given the enthusiasm from judges and viewers alike, ‘Pleasant Battle!!’ once again emphasized how creativity can flourish under pressure and opened dialogues about artistic expression among Japan's beloved entertainers.