On March 19, 2025, Nippon TV aired a special two-hour segment of its popular talk show, "Ueda and Women Howl at Night,” showcasing various guests, including the rising trio from timelesz—Shigeoka Daiki, Hashimoto Kento, and Inoo Kei—who participated in a captivating discussion about frugality and clever money-saving strategies under the theme "The Woman Who Wants to Get Ahead Even with 1 Yen." Their appearance alongside seasoned Japanese entertainers provided an entertaining and enlightening blend of anecdotes that resonated with the audience.
Shigeoka, Hashimoto, and Inoo were warmly welcomed by the show's host, Susumu Ueta, and a panel of talented women, including Maki Mizuno, Ai Kanda, Kii Kitano, and others, who each shared their unique perspectives on the art of living frugally. The episode proved to be rich with vivid stories that highlighted the challenges and tactics employed by individuals when striving to save money in everyday life.
Inoo demonstrated his charmingly natural side when he recounted a personal story about his high school days. He revealed, “I used to avoid buying drinks because I thought it was too expensive, so I would buy two burgers and just water instead.” This confession not only attracted laughs but also set the tone for a humorous exploration of the struggles of financial management.
Adding to the comedic atmosphere, Hashimoto, who admitted to not being a heavy drinker, shared frustrations about the social dynamics at dinner parties. He chimed in while discussing the awkwardness that can arise when surrounded by friends who tend to drink more than they can handle, calling it a “common occurrence.” The mix of lighthearted moments and serious advice created an engaging dynamic between the guests.
The show’s female guests took turns sharing invaluable tips for managing finances, which left the three boys bewildered by some of the rather unusual yet insightful advice they received. Maki Mizuno, known for her frugal lifestyle, expressed her disdain for wasteful spending by stating, “I don’t want to spend money on unnecessary things.” Mizuno practices sustainability by recycling items such as paper and plastic bags. In a light-hearted yet practical manner, she advised, “When I eat beef, I prefer it medium rare because beef shrinks when cooked, saving me money.”
Another guest, Kii Kitano, revealed her secret app that helps her amass savings through point activities. Although she was hesitant to share its name, her excitement was palpable. “I don't want anyone else to know about this, but it really helps me daily.” However, her penchant for secrecy could not suppress her enthusiasm as she shared how the app has enhanced her financial strategies.
Ai Kanda captured the audience's attention with her clever approaches to accumulating points with airlines. “To accumulate points, it's best to decide on one place,” she insisted. Kanda is committed to maintaining her top status with her airline, ensuring that she flies with the same company consistently. During the segment, she humorously remarked, “I have risked my life to maintain the highest status rank with the airline,” prompting laughter from the audience.
In contrast, Minako Nakano expressed frustration with her attempts to sell clothes on a flea market app, lamenting, “I am selling a coat I bought for several hundred thousand yen years ago, but it won't sell even for 29,000 yen.” Facing potential losses revealed the challenges many people encounter when trying to balance frugality and consumption in today's fast-paced economic climate.
The humorous interactions extended beyond personal anecdotes as the group delved into discussions surrounding the perennial question of “Who gets the points?” that often arises during group meals. The women shared clever strategies to avoid complications with friends when it comes to dividing rewards and credits.
Creative frugality was also a key theme, with tips on resourceful uses for packages and effective methods to repurpose materials from deliveries. As examples emerged, laughter filled the studio when one tip suggested how to make old, worn-out tights appear brand new, further emphasizing the innovative mindset of frugal living.
Arisa Sugisawa, a celebrated guest who is also an investor, chimed in to share her investment success story. “I have been investing for about 20 years. It took me nearly seven years to turn a profit that is nearly 100 million yen,” she revealed, showcasing her financial acumen to the audience. Her advice focused on leveraging shareholder benefits to achieve financial security.
The episode's structure included two segments: “The Woman Who Wants to Get Ahead Even with 1 Yen” and “Spring Fool Festival,” featuring an array of guests and diverse perspectives. Other notable attendees included CRAZY COCO and various popular personalities. The varied discussion points not only encouraged laughter and engagement but also inspired the audience to rethink their money management strategies.
As the show concluded, it had successfully lightened spirits while imparting valuable, practical financial tips. The laughter, relatability, and lessons shared ensured that viewers were both entertained and educated. Those hoping to live frugally and limit unnecessary spending left the episode inspired by the innovative ideas exchanged during the lively discussions, ensuring they'll be tuning in to future episodes to see what other creative money-saving strategies can be shared.
This special two-hour segment broadcast on March 19 was a testament to the breadth of ideas surrounding frugality in the modern age. No matter the challenge, the collective wisdom of these savvy guests showed that small changes can lead to significant impacts on overall financial well-being.
