Ninety-Nine’s Okamura & Yabe Dominate ‘No English Bowling’ 25th Anniversary Special – Breaking News!
Tokyo, Japan – January 1, 2026 – Japanese comedy duo Ninety-Nine, comprised of Takashi Okamura and Hiroyuki Yabe, delivered a memorable performance at the 25th anniversary broadcast of “Tsurube & Nainai’s slightly dangerous New Year 2026” on ABEMA, specifically during the beloved “English-ban bowling” segment. The show, a New Year’s staple for many Japanese viewers, saw the comedic pair showcase impressive teamwork and generate a flurry of excitement, quickly becoming a trending topic online. This is a breaking news update for fans of Japanese entertainment and a prime example of how long-running formats can continue to captivate audiences.
A Quarter Century of Strikes and Slips
“English Banned Bowling,” originating from the earlier program “Shimura & Tsurube’s Dangerous Exchange Record,” has become a cultural touchstone in Japan. The premise is simple yet effective: contestants bowl while prohibited from speaking English, with strikes, spares, and special pin knockdowns triggering rewards from cosplay performers. This year’s anniversary episode featured a star-studded lineup of guests, including retired baseball pro Sho Nakata, actor Masahiko Kondo, and Yutaka Yokoyama of SUPER EIGHT, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The show’s longevity speaks to its clever format and the enduring appeal of its comedic challenges – a key element for SEO success in the entertainment niche.
Yabe’s Triumph and Okamura’s Ingenious Assist
Yabe, known for his sharp tsukkomi (straight man) role, unexpectedly dominated the reward portion of the show, repeatedly earning prizes and playfully declaring himself “the real slut!” – a departure from his usual persona that delighted viewers. However, the ultimate challenge came with the final reward: a “legendary kotatsu beauty” hidden within a traditional Japanese heated table. The catch? Participants had to pedal a bicycle to power the kotatsu’s illumination, with brief periods of darkness between pedaling and peeking inside.
It was Okamura who saved the day with a brilliantly unconventional solution. Recognizing the timing issue, he suggested continuing to power the bicycle with his hands after initially pedaling with his feet, maintaining a constant light source. This ingenious workaround, lauded by facilitator Ryota Yamasato of Nankai Candies, demonstrated the duo’s quick thinking and collaborative spirit. This moment perfectly encapsulates why Ninety-Nine remains a beloved comedic force in Japan.
The Enduring Power of Japanese Variety Shows
The success of “Tsurube & Nainai’s slightly dangerous New Year 2026” highlights the unique appeal of Japanese variety shows. These programs often blend physical challenges, comedic improvisation, and celebrity appearances to create a dynamic and unpredictable viewing experience. The “English-ban bowling” segment, in particular, taps into a playful sense of competition and the thrill of unexpected rewards. Understanding this format is crucial for anyone interested in the Japanese entertainment industry and its impact on popular culture. For those looking to improve their Google News visibility, focusing on niche entertainment trends like this can yield significant results.
The broadcast is available for replay on ABEMA until January 3rd, and a digest version will air on TV Asahi on January 2nd, 2026. The enduring popularity of this show, and the comedic brilliance of Ninety-Nine, ensures that “English-ban bowling” will continue to be a New Year’s tradition for years to come, offering a consistent source of entertainment and a testament to the power of clever, long-running television formats.
