On the May 3rd broadcast of the long-running comedy show "Shoten" (Nippon Television Network, Sundays at 5:30 PM), Taihei Hayashiya won 10 cushions in the rakugo segment for the first time in about 7 years and received a prize. This is the first time in about 5 months that someone has achieved 10 cushions, since Harunosuke Tachikawa on November 30, 2025, and the first time in 2026.
At the start of the comedy show on May 3rd, Taihei had 8 cushions, Harunosuke had 7, Sanyutei Koyūzō and Katsura Miyaji had 4 each, Sanyutei Kōraku had 3, and Shunpūtei Ichinosuke had 0. The host, Shunpūtei Shōta, gave a hint about the prize, saying, "The keyword for the prize for winning 10 cushions is 'treasure mountain,' so do your best," and then the comedy show began.
In the second round, Taihei cleverly earned one cushion by flattering the host, Shota. Then, a "white cushion" appeared, indicating he was just one cushion away from ten, causing the audience to erupt in excitement. Taihei then delivered an aggressive answer and performed his signature "Funassyi Jump," but lost another cushion. However, he continued to answer boldly and managed to regain the "white cushion."
Then, for the third question, "Become a pirate and give good news to your captain," Taihei teased Shota with his signature "What Happened New Theater" routine, but Shota seemed pleased with his answer and won 10 cushions for the first time in about 7 years.
Sixty golden boxes, a "treasure trove" in honor of the show's 60th anniversary, were brought out as merchandise. When the first box was opened, a high-quality obi (kimono sash) appeared, but the others were empty. The audience erupted in laughter at Taihei's dejected expression at the punchline, "a mountain of empty boxes."
