The variety show "Monomane Kohaku Uta Gassen! Tonight's Strongest Ranking Special," hosted by comedian Koji Imada, will be broadcast on Fuji TV's "Saturday Premium" slot (Saturday 9pm) on October 18th. This episode will look back on the show's 52-year history and present rare footage in a ranking format, including nostalgic impersonations that were popular at the time and appearances by the original performers.
In the "This is the greatest imitation of all time" corner, we will be delivering the best imitation videos featuring undisputed imitation legends, such as Matsumura Kunihiro's rendition of Beat Takeshi's "Asakusa Kid" and Miracle Hikaru's rendition of Utada Hikaru's "traveling."
In "An Unexpected Star Appears!? Impersonations," rare footage of popular actors appearing in person will be shown. In the Showa edition, surprises such as Croquette's rendition of "Scorpio Woman" (by Kenichi Mikawa) and Saito Rumiko's rendition of "Hey Now" (by Cyndi Lauper) will be revealed. In the Heisei and Reiwa editions, Yoyoyo-chan and Kintaro's rendition of "Kawaii Dake Desuka?" (by CUTIE STREET) will be featured.
"One for One! Top 5 Impersonations" will feature superb performances by masters who have mastered the art of impersonating specific people, such as Hiroshi Itsuki's "Woman Waiting" (Hiroshi Itsuki) and Kenji Nanda's "TOKIO" (Kenji Sawada).
A spectacular medley of all-star impersonators will also be performed.
The performers in the studio are as follows (in alphabetical order, titles omitted): <Corner MC> Shimofuri Myojo <Audience guest> Asahi Nao ▽ Iwasaki Daiki (KEY TO LIT) ▽ Kanda Aika <Panelists> Ehara Masahiro ▽ Kintaro ▽ JP ▽ Haraguchi Akimasa ▽ Beauty Kokubu ▽ Matsuura Kodai ▽ Mr. Shachihoko ▽ Yoyoyo-chan <Video appearances> First Summer Uika ▽ Miracle Hikaru
