The New Year special program 'Yume Taiketsu 2025 Tonneruzu no Sports King wa Ore da!!' brought together some of Japan's top female athletes on January 2, 2025. This highly anticipated sports event featured well-known personalities such as Hinako Shibuno, Yuka Saso, Ayaka Furue, Rio Takeda, Sakura Koiwai, and Haruka Kawasaki, who showcased their skills across various golf competitions.
Divided under the spirited leadership of entertainers Kenbô Kinashi and Takashi Ishibashi, these athletes engaged not only their physical prowess but also entertained viewers at home with their lighthearted banter and friendly competition.
Among the notable events was 'Choku-Dora,' where athletes hit targets with golf drivers. The setup had five targets: the red target signifying 100 points and blue targets at 50 points, with drums around the area representing negative scores. The main highlight was the center bronze gong, which rewarded participants with 500 points if struck. Shibuno, being very familiar with this format, hit both her shots, and the announcement hyped her as 'the all England champion' captured the audience's attention.
Actor Yuichi Mizutani also made waves, donning the character of Ukyou Sugishita from the hit drama series 'Aibou.' Despite his impressive outfit, Mizutani humorously exclaimed, "This is difficult! I really understand the difference between professionals and amateurs!" as he attempted to hit the target.
Yuka Saso, trying 'Choku-Dora' for the first time, commented on the speed of the balls saying, "I couldn't see the ball because it was going too fast!" Although her attempts faced challenges, she found joy participating among the pros. Meanwhile, Takeda made her debut successful by hitting the red target twice, showcasing her undeniable talent.
Every athlete had their moment to shine, and the atmosphere was electric as the competition progressed. The show included various activities beyond golf, engaging all competitors. One such challenge was the 'Ekiden Time Attack,' where participants ran and passed the baton to each other. Kawasaki, affectionately dubbed 'Hannarihan' by Kinashi, proved to be the star of the match, sprinting to victory and securing the MVP award.
Shibuno, under pressure, was encouraged by Kinashi to make the final shot to clinch the lead for her team. She then delivered with precision, hitting the gong with her first attempt, causing jubilations among her teammates, who raised their hands excitedly to celebrate the moment.
The show concluded with cheers and positive energy, epitomizing the spirit of the new year through sports and camaraderie. The blend of competition, entertainment, and the impressive appearances of King Kazu made this year's event truly memorable, leaving fans and participants eager for future specials.