"Aiba Manabu" (TV Asahi, Sunday 6pm), a variety show in which Aiba Masaki of the popular group "Arashi" learns various things all over Japan, will celebrate its 600th episode on July 20th. On this day, Aiba will look back on old VTRs and talk with regular members of the comedy duo "Haraichi" Sawabe Yu and "Vike King" Kotoge Eiji.
The show started on April 21, 2013. Aiba reminisced, "At first, we wore glasses and a vest, and dressed like rich boys." When asked about their most memorable episodes, Kotoge revealed that he couldn't forget the taste of the curry bread that was featured in the first episode. Aiba looked back and said, "We did all kinds of things... We even ate weeds for a while, right? Weeds are edible, but they weren't tasty (laughs)!"
In addition, the "Aiba Masaki fantasy" that has been unfolding in the program will be presented in the form of a quiz. After seeing his own actions, including sudden and mysterious behavior, Aiba said with a wry smile, "That's scary... It's more like a fantasy than a horror (laughs)."
Regarding his feelings about the 600th episode, Aiba commented, "I've been doing this show for 12 years, but every episode feels fresh. We've done it 600 times, but the relationship between the members hasn't changed in a good way. We're always talking even when the camera's off. Even today, we were talking about how Eiji Kotoge proposed to me (laughs)." He also expressed his gratitude to the farmers and other people involved who cooperated with him, saying, "I always put fresh ingredients into my body, so I feel energized."
"It's a relaxed and comfortable show, but I'd like to continue trying new things," she said, adding, "I want to make cooking utensils! I have some new ideas for whisks, so I'd be happy to show them off someday (laughs)."
On the same day, in Saitama Prefecture, where Sawabe is from, they will harvest fine chives, which are in season now, and introduce salads, fried rice, takoyaki, and more. They will be smacking their lips. The popular project "Somen-1 Grand Prix" will also be held.