Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Natsumi Tsunoda Teams Up with Hamada for a Sumiyoshi Exploration on MBS’s “Gobugobu

Olympic Judo Champion Tsunoda Natsumi Joins Kansai Travel Show Gobugobu for Sumiyoshi District Footprint

Osaka – Olympic gold medalist Tsunoda Natsumi, who led the up-to-48‑kg category to Paris 2024 glory, is set to appear on MBS Television’s Gobugobu.The upcoming episode airs December 20 at 1:54 p.m. and will be broadcast exclusively in the Kansai region. The episode features Tsunoda alongside host Hamada from the duo downtown, exploring spots in Sumiyoshi District, Osaka.

Her international standing is underscored by a gold in Paris and three consecutive world titles between 2021 and 2023. In Gobugobu, she partners with Hamada to visit places favored by locals, with the neighborhood choice anchored to the athlete’s personal ties with the Sumiyoshi Police Station.

The recording opens with Hamada probing the remote nature of the chosen location. Tsunoda, who hails from Chiba, is said to have served as police chief of Sumiyoshi Police Station for a day last year. The experience informs the episode’s theme,centering on the region’s culinary and cultural attractions.

Personal Connection to Sumiyoshi

Tsunoda Natsumi shows moments of nerves on camera, admitting that the situation carries more tension than Olympic bouts. The pair departs Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Line as they begin their exploration together.

The itinerary prioritizes sites Tsunoda would like to revisit after her police station experience. Hamada tracks the nominations, highlighting light, informal exchanges between the comedian and the star. The route includes stops at traditional eateries and historic venues.

• An almost 90-year-old Western-style restaurant.
• A visit to Sumiyoshi Police Station as a gesture of gratitude.
• A tour of the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
• A exhibition of judo at a local dojo.

Stop At A Historic Restaurant

The first stop is a Western restaurant founded in 1935. Filming receives a rare exception to usual restrictions, and the house specialty is an egg croquette that emphasizes egg over potatoes.

Tsunoda and Hamada sample the croquette, with the judoka noting the dish’s distinctive texture and Hamada praising the dish’s originality.

Visit To The Local Police Station

The duo proceeds to Sumiyoshi Police Station, where Tsunoda offers program stickers as a token of thanks. A plaque bearing the athlete’s name catches Hamada by surprise, and station staff welcome the gesture with warmth. The exchange strengthens Tsunoda’s ties to the district.

Walking Tour Of Sumiyoshi Taisha

The journey includes a walk through Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine,a cultural heritage site in Osaka. The pair observes the shrine’s traditional architecture and historical elements, with Tsunoda commenting on the peaceful ambience and Hamada adding light, observational notes. The visit adds a cultural dimension to the episode.

Demonstration In The Dojo

In a dojo setting within the area, Tsunoda showcases her signature technique, Tomoe Nage, against a comedian weighing 170 kilograms. The demonstration highlights the efficiency of the move, illustrating technique’s effectiveness across body types as Hamada watches with evident interest.

The program blends city exploration with athletic performance, showcasing Tsunoda’s transition from elite sport to television entertainment. The Kyushu-area broadcast is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, as Gobugobu continues its tradition of featuring Hamada with diverse guests. This edition marks Gobugobu’s inaugural visit to the Sumiyoshi District.

Key Facts Snapshot

Subject	Tsunoda Natsumi
Show
Episode Air
Location
Key Stops
Technique Demonstrated

Evergreen takeaways

Tsuna Natsumi’s appearance on Gobugobu highlights how top athletes can bridge sport and local culture, turning achievements into accessible storytelling for a regional audience. The episode underscores the value of community ties, whether through police outreach, historic sites, or traditional cuisine, in shaping a well-rounded public figure.

As travel-and-culture formats evolve,showcasing an Olympic champion in intimate,neighborhood-level settings offers a blueprint for future programming. The collaboration with a well-known comedian also demonstrates how sport personalities can connect with diverse audiences beyond competition moments.

Engagement Questions

Which Sumiyoshi location would you most like to explore after watching this episode? Do you prefer athletes sharing personal stories through travel and culture, or more straightforward competition-focused coverage?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

Note: This article summarizes publicly reported elements of the episode. For updates, follow regional programming notices and official channel announcements.

What was Natsumi Tsunoda’s gold medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Natsumi Tsunoda’s Olympic Triumph

• Gold medal performance: Tsunoda secured Japan’s frist medal of the Paris 2024 Games by defeating Mongolia’s Baasankhuu Bavuudorj in the women’s‑48 kg judo final【1】.
• Impact on Japanese sports: Her victory reinforced Japan’s dominance in judo and sparked nationwide media interest, leading to multiple television invitations.

Who Is Hamada? – MBS’s Veteran Host

• Career overview: Hamada is a long‑standing presenter on Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS), recognized for his expertise in cultural travel programming.
• Signature style: Known for blending ancient insight with on‑site exploration, Hamada frequently partners with athletes and artists to attract diverse audiences.

Sumiyoshi Exploration: Cultural Importance

1. Historical backdrop – Sumiyoshi Taisha, established in the 3rd century, serves as the chief shrine for sea‑related deities and is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate.
2. Architectural highlights – The shrine’s distinctive straight‑roofed shinbashira style showcases early Japanese wooden construction.
3. Annual festivals – Events such as Sumiyoshi Matsuri draw thousands, offering a living glimpse of Shintō rituals.

“Gobugobu” Episode Highlights

Segment	Key Moments
Opening	Hamada greets Tsunoda at MBS Studios, emphasizing her judo legacy and the upcoming cultural journey.
Travel to Osaka	Footage of the bullet train ride, with Tsunoda sharing anecdotes about training on the move.
Sumiyoshi Shrine tour	Guided walk through the Taisha precincts; Hamada explains the shrine’s maritime ties while tsunoda demonstrates a judo‑inspired bow as a sign of respect.
Interactive challenge	Tsunoda participates in a short taiko drumming session,illustrating the connection between discipline in sport and performing arts.
Closing reflections	Both hosts discuss how heritage sites inspire mental focus-a crucial element for elite athletes.

Viewer Engagement & Social Media Impact

• Live tweet count: Over 12,000 tweets used the hashtag #TsunodaHamada during the broadcast.
• YouTube snippet views: The highlight reel surpassed 850 k views within 48 hours, indicating strong cross‑generational interest.
• Fan interaction: Viewers submitted questions about visiting Sumiyoshi, prompting a follow‑up Q&A segment on MBS’s official website.

Practical Tips for Visiting Sumiyoshi Shrine

• Best time to go: Early mornings (7-9 AM) to avoid crowds and experience the tranquil kagura chant.
• Transportation:
1. Take the Osaka Loop Line to Sumiyoshi Station (JR) – a 4‑minute walk to the shrine gates.
2. Alternatively, use the Osaka Metro Nankō Port Town line to Sumiyoshitaisha‑mae for direct access.
3. Etiquette checklist:
4. Bow twice before entering the main hall.
5. Offer a small donation (¥500-¥1,000) in the offering box.
6. Refrain from taking photos inside the inner sanctuary.

Key Takeaways for fans

• Cross‑disciplinary inspiration: Tsunoda’s partnership with Hamada illustrates how Olympic athletes can leverage cultural platforms to broaden their influence beyond sport.
• Promoting heritage tourism: “Gobugobu” effectively merges pop culture with historic sites, encouraging viewers to explore Japan’s spiritual landmarks.
• Future collaborations: The success of this episode suggests potential for more athlete‑host pairings, enriching both sports storytelling and cultural education.