Kuniko Yamada Highlights Issues with Yasuko’s NTV 24-Hour Television Marathon

“At the start, comedian colleagues like Hollywood Zakoshisyoh from the agency came to support and ran alongside for a while. Afterwards, various guests visited Yasuko and ran together with her, but there was no comedy element at all. Given the program’s characteristics and Yasuko’s personality, there was a certain awkwardness in making jokes,” said a sports paper entertainment reporter.

There were also repeated criticisms of Yasuko’s costume.

She wore a white T-shirt over a black training outfit with an open chest. Once the white shirt was put on, the black outfit was fully visible, and many viewers felt it looked “sloppy.”

“Why didn’t she wear a yellow charity T-shirt?”

The aforementioned entertainment reporter wondered.

Nevertheless, Yasuko crossed the finish line at Ryogoku Kokugikan just after 8 PM on the 1st. This year, the traditional song “Don’t Give Up” by ZARD was not played. Instead, X JAPAN’s “Kurenai” was performed by YOSHIKI and high school students, followed by Kyu Sakamoto’s famous song “Asu ga Aru Sa,” and finally “Sarai” was sung.

After finishing, Yasuko learned that the fundraising total for the children’s welfare facility was 438,014,800 yen and said,

“Thank you everyone.”

She was delighted. When asked about how the money would be used, she replied,

“I want to distribute bicycles and book vouchers because many children have expressed their desire for them.” 

Yasuko grew up in a poor family and attended a children’s welfare facility during high school.

“Considering the impact of Typhoon No. 10, there were discussions within the network about canceling the marathon. However, Yasuko had a strong determination to run no matter what. Leaving Nissan Stadium and aiming for the Kokugikan was a last-minute decision. It was a marathon full of exceptional circumstances until the end,” said an NTV insider.

The average household rating for the end of the program was 19.7%, with the peak rating reaching 25.4% at 8:45 PM (according to Video Research, Kanto region). Although there were many people staying at home due to the nationwide weather disturbances, considering that the peak rating from the previous year was 24.8%, this can be seen as a “great achievement.”

“With this, Yasuko has surpassed the comedian category and become a nationally beloved talent. Although it may sound harsh, after the controversy with Fuwa-chan’s outburst, this marathon seems like a ‘final touch.’ In the future, the agency will likely choose to work carefully to maintain her positive image,” said the aforementioned sports paper reporter.

It seems that Yamada’s earlier comment about having a strong heart that doesn’t refuse a requested job will be put on hold for now.