Kaito Takahashi’s Natural Charm Shines in Rugby Commentary with Sho Sakurai
A simple question asked by Kaito Takahashi
In the broadcasting booth for a sports live broadcast, two handsome men in suits, wearing headphones with microphones, are none other than Kimpuri’s Ren Nagase (26) and Kaito Takahashi (26).
On March 22, at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium (Shibuya Ward), the top-level Japanese rugby league, “Japan Rugby League One,” held an official match between “Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo” (BL Tokyo) and “Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights,” where Kimpuri’s two members made a guest appearance.
“This was a collaboration between Kimpuri’s regular program ‘Kintore’ (NTV) and Rugby League One. In the first half of the program, the two, who have no rugby experience, enjoyed mini rugby with the players from BL Tokyo, and in the second half, they provided live commentary of the official rugby match. Furthermore, Sho Sakurai (43) from Arashi, known for his rugby knowledge and serving as the Japan Rugby Ambassador at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, also appeared as a guest in the commentary booth.
During the match, the audience focused on the intense battle unfolding on the field, but since the appearance of the three was advertised beforehand, there were not only rugby fans but also many young women who were Kimpuri fans in the stands, looking up at the commentary booth on the opposite side of the field,” said a sports reporter.
At the booth, Kimpuri’s two members listened seriously to the commentary by Kenki Fukuoka (32), a former Japan rugby representative and current student at Juntendo University’s medical department. On the other hand, Sakurai, known as a rugby enthusiast in the entertainment industry, was visibly excited by the developments of the match. He stood up and kept his eyes on the field throughout. During halftime, there was a segment where Kimpuri’s two members asked Fukuoka simple questions. Ren Nagase, with a serious look, asked about the players’ mental states during the game, while Kaito Takahashi asked:
“I’ve always wondered why the rugby ball is shaped like that. Can you read the ball’s movements?”
Though he was serious, his innocent question caused some staff members to chuckle. Fukuoka, who carefully explained Takahashi’s question, was met with enthusiastic nods from Sakurai. When asked for a closing comment, Sakurai, both as a rugby fan and a senior in the entertainment industry, gently supported his juniors, saying:
“I hope that, with today’s match, we can increase the number of rugby fans, even if it’s just by one.”
Fans were likely thrilled by the unexpected collaboration between Sakurai and Kimpuri.
“This collaboration hints that, similar to how ‘Sexy Zone’ supported the World Cup Volleyball in the past, the two members of Kimpuri might be considered as potential supporters for the 2027 World Cup, which will be held in Australia. Since Sakurai served as an ambassador for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the three of them may appear together on rugby-related programs more frequently in the future,” said the same sports reporter.
In May, the two will be performing at the Fukuoka stop of their “King & Prince LIVE TOUR 24-25 Re:ERA in DOME.” This could potentially be the beginning of a new unit involving the three of them.
“FRIDAY Digital” welcomes your information and tip-offs. Please send your information to the following information form or to the official X.
Information Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://x.com/FRIDAY_twit
