ABEMA recently celebrated a significant milestone with the 100th episode of its popular program, ‘Nanani: Chika ABEMA,’ featuring Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, and Katori Shingo. Titled “100th Broadcast Anniversary! Grand Gathering of Viral Stars SP!”, this special episode revisited memorable moments and revealed the current lives of individuals who previously captivated audiences on social media.
Among the returning guests was MOMOMOTO, an art makeup artist dubbed “too handsome,” who first appeared in episode #57. Since his initial broadcast, MOMOMOTO has experienced a surge in public recognition, including instances of unauthorized photography and video recording, which he described as unsettling. More strikingly, he disclosed that he had received four to five offers from various romance reality shows over the past year but declined them all.
When pressed for his reasons, MOMOMOTO explained, “I have many art makeup appointments, and I’m not good with communal living. I felt I’d probably just go home before falling in love.” This candid admission drew a sharp, yet playful, remark from comedian Kanechika of EXIT, who quipped, “Talking to him, I can tell he’s not good with communal living (laughs).” This glimpse into the personal boundaries of a public figure highlights the unique challenges that come with sudden fame.
Another heartwarming segment featured Ayumu and Chikako, a couple with a 33-year age gap, who previously appeared in episode #41. During their last appearance, Chikako had mentioned Ayumu’s refusal to wear matching rings, asserting that “a man shouldn’t wear such things.” However, in a delightful turn of events, the couple proudly announced they had finally purchased matching rings, showcasing them to the studio audience. When asked about the possibility of marriage, Ayumu responded with a thoughtful, “Well, how should I say…” Chikako added, “We both have strong attachments to our respective family names.” Ayumu then brought up the unique example of the late Japanese rock musician Yuya Uchida and actress Kirin Kiki, a famous couple who maintained separate surnames throughout their marriage, sparking surprise and amusement among the hosts.
The episode also brought back other viral personalities, each sharing their post-broadcast experiences:
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Rua-chan, the “elementary school gyaru”: Now a middle schooler, Rua-chan discussed the increased attention she receives, including being recognized on the street and receiving numerous comments online. She also expressed concerns about unauthorized photography, asking for advice on how to handle it. TV personality Michopa promptly suggested, “Take a picture back,” explaining, “When you do that, they make a ‘crap!’ face, so that’s how it is.” Inagaki Goro humorously noted, “I’ve hardly ever been photographed without permission… maybe I give off a strange vibe.” Katori Shingo shared a surprising anecdote from the previous Christmas, where he was asked for a photo, only to be handed the camera to take a picture of a group of students and their teacher at a dinner party, despite being recognized.
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Masaya-san, who underwent a 3 million yen transformation: After his appearance in episode #94, Masaya-san, who transformed his appearance with 3 million yen (approximately 20,000 USD) in plastic surgery, reported being recognized in public and a sharp increase in bookings for his aesthetic salon. He also revealed that he had been approached by talent agencies and was currently awaiting results for a romance reality show, mirroring MOMOMOTO’s experience with such offers.
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Sakura Seki, the influencer resembling Keiko Kitagawa: Featured in episode #87 for her striking resemblance to actress Keiko Kitagawa, Sakura Seki saw a significant increase in corporate PR work. However, she confessed to a new dilemma: “I’m constantly told, ‘Please make yourself look exactly like Keiko Kitagawa.'”
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Yui Fuchida, the “too cute ramen shop employee”: Yui Fuchida, who appeared in episode #56, shared an astonishing story: a customer who had tattooed her face sent her a photo, revealing new tattoos with her name and birthdate. This revelation left the ‘Nanani’ members astounded.
This 100th episode of ‘Nanani: Chika ABEMA’ is currently available for free on demand via ABEMA. For those interested in watching the full episode and witnessing these unique stories, visit the broadcast URL below. The program continues to explore the fascinating intersection of internet fame, personal lives, and the evolving landscape of Japanese entertainment.
Looking ahead, the next episode, ‘Nanani: Chika ABEMA’ #101, airing on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 8 PM JST, will feature a “Who is this beauty!? Beauty Strikeout” quiz battle. Nine beauties will challenge the ‘Nanani’ members to guess their unexpected true identities—from a detective specializing in infidelity investigations to a woman with significant gambling debts, and another cohabiting with 80 reptiles. The future of ‘Kawaii’ culture, particularly as it intersects with individual expression and lifestyle choices, continues to be a vibrant and unpredictable journey, often amplified through platforms like ABEMA.
