The lineup for Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's long-running talk show "Tetsuko's Room" (TV Asahi, Monday-Friday 1pm), which will air from June 1st to 5th, has been announced. On the 1st, Kabuki actor Kikugoro Onoe VIII will be featured; on the 2nd, a selection of the best episodes from the first half of the year; on the 3rd, singer Yukino Ichikawa; on the 4th, singer Iyo Matsumoto; and on the 5th, the popular group "M!LK".
Kikugoro assumed the name last May. He said that friends from his student days, with whom he hadn't had much contact before, came to see his performances and threw celebratory parties for him. He said that his way of relaxing during the long succession performances was to take trips with his son.
The best episodes of the first half of the year will be broadcast to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary, featuring actor Tomio Umezawa, who gave a magnificent dance performance in female impersonation; actress Yuko Natori, who showcased her magic skills; and the episode in which cooking expert Remi Hirano and her musician son, Sho Wada, made their first television appearance together.
Ichikawa was a talented enka singer, but in 2024 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She disliked hospitals and was afraid of examinations, but Yuki Saori persuaded her to make an appointment. Her mother, who was 79 at the time, encouraged her with a humorous story.
Matsumoto turned 60 last year. Her daily life is revealed, including family trips to Hawaii and walks where she chats with her husband, Hiromi. She also attends fan meetings of Korean actors by herself, showing her dedication to her favorite idols.
M!LK, now in their 12th year since formation, shares stories of the hardships each member has faced. They discuss various difficulties, but believe that their current popularity stems from the fact that they all held weekly meetings to discuss what they could do.
