On March 22, 2025, talent Tsutomu Sekiguchi updated his YouTube channel, featuring a special guest appearance by the comedy duo Nasunakanishi. The show took a lively turn as Shigeki Nakanishi and Naoki Nasu shared amusing anecdotes about the challenges of dealing with their senior, Yoiko's Akihiko Aruno. Nakanishi, humorous and candid, revealed his frustrations regarding Aruno's unpredictable behavior during group communications.
Nakanishi explained, "It's really difficult to interact with him. Even now, I'm not sure what the right way to engage is with Aruno-san." His revelations provided a glimpse into the quirks of their senior's communication style, notably during group LINE conversations. He noted that Aruno would say something simple, like "Good morning," only for Nakanishi and other younger members to awkwardly respond in unison, "Good morning," only to find themselves left in a digital limbo when Aruno abruptly exited the group chat.
"Afterward, he would re-invite everyone again, and the next day, the exact same thing would happen: 'Good morning,' then he's out again!" Nakanishi exclaimed, expressing both frustration and amusement. These back-and-forth digital exits left the younger comedians scratching their heads. "It's not scary, but there’s really no way to grasp his style. Suddenly, he could block you during a conversation too," Nakanishi added, to laughter from his co-star Nasu.
Nasu joined in, jokingly labeling Aruno a "attention seeker", further highlighting the comedic discourse between the three. The unexpected antics of their senior not only entertained viewers but also shed light on the difficulties young entertainers face in navigating senior-junior relationships in Japanese entertainment culture.
As the conversation continued, Sekiguchi, prompted by Nakanishi and Nasu about their experiences with difficult seniors, chimed in humorously by naming the legendary Daijiro Hagiwara as another challenging senior figure in the industry. Sekiguchi's casual mention of Hagiwara drew gasps of mock horror from his guests, reflecting the reputation the veteran entertainer holds in the comedy world.
Sekiguchi quipped, "After all the support I've shown him, I think he could at least send me some oseibo (year-end gifts), don't you?" This lighthearted complaint highlighted the often unspoken expectations that arise in senior-junior dynamics, particularly regarding gratitude expressed through gifts and gestures after service.
He recounted a humorous incident involving another prominent entertainer, Kazuki Obara, who once attempted to navigate these traditions and mistakenly presented a lavish oseibo gift to Hagiwara. "Obara, that’s wrong. Luxurious is not good," Hagiwara reportedly responded, further confirming his tough reputation among peers.
This lively exchange not only provided comic relief but also illustrated the fragility of relationships within the entertaining world, full of unwritten rules. The narrative spoke to larger themes in Japanese culture, where seniority and tradition often dictate interactions, giving insight into the interpersonal side of the industry.
Nakanishi, with his experiences and expressive storytelling, catered an old-fashioned atmosphere of fun and warmth on Sekiguchi’s channel, drawing in viewers with an entertaining glimpse into how humor and affection exist even amid the complexities of working relationships.
The interaction concluded with laughter and camaraderie among the trio, showcasing how shared challenges create bonds among entertainers, regardless of their status in the industry. The episode serves not just as entertainment but as a reminder of the trials and quirks that define careers in show business.
