The annual year-end special episode of Detective! Night Scoop is set to air, featuring the top viewer-selected segments from the show throughout 2024.
This year's broadcast promises to showcase seven categories of best selections, along with comments from devoted fans. The later part of the program will introduce special guests including the unforgettable Dump Matsumoto, who has drawn significant attention due to the Netflix hit drama Gokudo Joou, which is based on her life and has been produced by Osamu Suzuki, who also joins as a guest.
Dump Matsumoto makes quite the entrance, reportedly wielding a bright red bamboo sword. Suzuki predicts, "I watch this show quite regularly. Recently, I cried. It must be included among the best selections of the year." To which Matsumoto adds, "I saw the segment about the child who couldn’t do flips. That struck me!" On being prompted for her own topic suggestion, Matsumoto cheekily claims, "I lost 15 kilograms, but no one notices! I want to know how I can make them notice."
The segment decline, entitled “Must-See! Examining the Most Talked-About Episodes,” announces the number one spot, which goes to the emotional investigation involving "Separated Twins." This piece, investigated by Yuriyan Retriever—who recently graduated from Night Scoop—elicited admiration from both Matsumoto and Suzuki, noting its captivating nature. Suzuki asserts, "Of course, I know about this. It's utterly phenomenal. It's the power of television!" Matsumoto adds, "Just hearing the request letter brings tears to my eyes," recalling how the twins' heartfelt story came to fruition after years of speculation.
Moving on to the “Heartwarming Love Stories” category, first place was awarded to "The Last Effort: 140 km," which features the struggles of a university student grappling with identity issues. Osamu Suzuki enthuses, "I can’t believe someone would turn to television with such personal matters. It truly takes great courage to expose oneself like this nowadays!" reflecting on the prevailing societal changes. Matsumoto empathizes, saying, "Dealing with such problems alone takes tremendous bravery, and this television exposure creates room for important conversations."
The “Big Laughs” category's winner is the entertaining piece showcasing, "A Five-Year-Old Mistaking Dentures for Crab." While Suzuki muses, "These days, to categorize something as ‘Big Laughs’... it certainly holds truth though!,” he adds humorously from his own experiences about the delicate balance of telling children the truth. The video clip manages to deliver genuine laughter, showing just how hilariously kids engage with the adult world. Matsumoto joins with her own glee, declaring, “It’s absolutely adorable and so funny!"
Finally, the award for “The Unpredictable Climax” goes to the story featuring "A Father Who Can’t Communicate with His Daughter." The father hopes to heal the strained relationship with his 19-year-old daughter through innovative ideas. After viewing the video, Suzuki shares insights from his life: "Wonderful! My own child is now growing, and often refuses to play during weekends. It's relatable! How should I tackle this kind of distancing? The fact this can be addressed on television is refreshing and incredibly funny. I saw the mother crying too!"
Matsumoto's emotional reactions throughout the program touched many, provoking comments from detective Seiya at the show's closing, expressing how delighted he was to witness her deep emotions. He humorously noted, "But, there is always the glaring red bamboo sword present!" To which Matsumoto replied, wholeheartedly, “Today was filled with laughs and tears. What can you expect!” Suzuki commended the production, acknowledging the difficulties faced with countless compliance standards the industry has today, especially with topical issues like LGBTQ representation. He expressed appreciation for Detective! Night Scoop continually showcasing the genuine power of television and the diversity of families today, sending hearty wishes for future productions. The Detective! Night Scoop Year-End Fan Appreciation Festival 2024 will air on December 31st at noon.