On the 30th, Hakata Daikichi, a member of the comedy duo Hakata Hanamaru and Daikichi, appeared live on NHK’s information program “Asaichi.” During the show, guest comedian Subarou from the duo Miki made a recommendation about local sushi spots, particularly praising Kanazawa’s “Maimon Sushi.” This led to some awkward moments as Daikichi gently reminded Subarou to be mindful of NHK’s policies regarding naming specific establishments on air.
The show’s theme was “Local Conveyor Belt Sushi is Hot Right Now!” and as the MC, announcer Naho Suzuki encouraged viewers to share their personal stories about their favorite local sushi, Subarou seemed disheartened by the reminder to avoid naming specific places. Daikichi attempted to comfort him, saying there was no need to be so downcast. Subarou jokingly commented on the delivery of Suzuki’s reminder, bringing some humor to the situation.
Suzuki, originally from Kanagawa, has a rich background in broadcasting, having joined NHK in 2004 and worked in various capacities before becoming the host of “Asaichi” from spring 2021 after taking maternity leave.
Hakata Daikichi, whose real name is Hiroki Yoshioka, was born on March 10, 1971, in Fukuoka Prefecture. He met his comedy partner Hanamaru (real name Mitsuki Okazaki) during their time at Fukuoka University’s rakugo research group, and they officially formed their duo in May 1990. They gained popularity after moving to Tokyo in 2005, with Hanamaru earning attention for his impersonation of the late Kiyoshi Kodama and later winning the R-1 Grand Prix in 2006. The duo also triumphed in the prestigious manzai competition “THE MANZAI” in 2014.
This light-hearted segment not only provided a glimpse into the comedic interactions among the show’s hosts but also highlighted the cultural significance of local sushi in Japan, bringing a sense of community and nostalgia to the viewers. It’s a reminder of the joy shared through food and humor, despite the challenges of adhering to broadcast standards.