On March 15, 2025, during the broadcast of the popular show "Uramayo!" on Kansai TV, Yoshida Takashi of the comedy duo Black Mayonnaise revealed a surprising personal detail: he had kept the birth of his second child a secret for two years. Yoshida, 51, explained that he was inspired by the experience of his first child's birth seven years prior, when he received numerous congratulations and gifts. “I kept it a secret from Koge for two years; I thought no one would notice...,” he shared, evoking both laughter and shock from the audience.
This revelation provoked a memorable response from his partner, Koge Ryuichi, who exclaimed, “Normal people would say something! It’s scary, scary, scary!” The comedic atmosphere intensified throughout the episode as Yoshida urged viewers to look closely at his New Year’s cards, where the names indicated there was clearly one more family member. The unintended secrecy became a playful mystery for fans and audience members alike.
A few months prior to his announcement, Koge had welcomed his third child in July 2020, offering the perfect opportunity for Yoshida to disclose his own news. Instead, Yoshida kept to his decision of silence, pondering, “If I had shared it then, it would have taken away the fun of keeping it secret.” This kind of humor underscores Black Mayonnaise’s style, combining personal anecdotes with banter that entertains their audience.
But it wasn't just family dynamics making headlines for Yoshida. In a subsequent appearance on "Nakagawa-ke & Kamaitachi no Love Neta 2025" on March 16, 2025, he opened up about his health struggles stemming from a demanding work schedule after the duo's success at the M-1 Grand Prix in 2005. "I was traveling back and forth between Tokyo and Osaka five times a week, which took a toll on my health," he reflected. Yoshida humorously recalled, "Riding the Shinkansen ten times is about 24 hours of travel. Then I thought to myself, 'Wait, I only have six days a week to work with!'”
This relentless pace culminated in a hospitalization due to exhaustion, where he suffered from both external otitis and otitis media. His partner Koge explained, “He had external otitis and otitis media because he was so busy…” confirming the toll their hectic schedules had taken. At one point, Yoshida described searching for a hospital open late into the night, recalling that he was almost at risk of facial paralysis due to lack of attention to his health.
In addition to discussing his health, the pair reminisced about a significant fight they had in the past over their approach to comedy and their respective career goals. On the same "Uramayo!" episode, Yoshida recalled a heated argument that lasted about an hour, sparked by a disagreement on how to host a staff meeting. He noted, "We had this big fight, but we managed to bring things back together..." as he reflected on how their differing viewpoints on work and ambition often clashed.
Koge echoed, “We’re both frustrated, even during our comedy performances.” The duo dissected how they ultimately resolved their differences, with Yoshida emphasizing that while they achieved many professional goals, their personal aspirations needed discussion and alignment. He likened their journey to navigating a small boat to America, where each had different visions of the destination, adding depth to their conflict. “I wanted to grow corn in Texas, while Koge dreamt of Broadway!”
These revelations and reflections indicate a turning point in their partnership. Following their arguments, Koge mentioned that they began facing their issues more transparently, allowing their frustrations to dissipate and harmonizing their working relationship. Yoshida noted that mutual understanding began to prevail: “Different perspectives are okay; we learned to communicate openly.”
The candid discussions about family life, health challenges, and partnership dynamics not only highlight the personal journeys of Yoshida and Koge but also reinforce their enduring bond as a comedy duo. Their lighter moments bring laughter, while their serious discussions provide authenticity that fans appreciate. Series like "Uramayo!" continue to be a platform where they express their creativity and reflections, captivating audiences with their stories.
