Harai-chi's Radio Show "Turn!" Episode 495 Reveals Yuki Iwai's New NACK5 Program; What is Yū Sawabe's "Dream of a Named Show"?

Every Thursday late at night, that addictive radio show that blows away the sleepiness has once again created an unbelievable atmosphere. This is "Harai-chi no Turn!" episode 495. This broadcast was more than just the "495th" episode; in a sense, it was a historic turn.

A Shocking "Playing Dumb" Reveal! Iwai Unexpectedly Gets His Own Show

In last week's show, Yuki Iwai mentioned he'd filled in as a personality on a NACK5 program. He casually chatted about how he "didn't know why he was called" and that he had "fond memories with NACK5." But, as it turns out, that was all a setup. It was revealed that starting this April, Iwai will actually be hosting his very own named show on NACK5.

Needless to say, the atmosphere in the studio completely changed. Armed with an email from a listener containing the "smoking gun," Yū Sawabe grilled his partner, who was acting like he knew nothing. As Iwai tried to brush it off with excuses like "It was decided suddenly" and "I was surprised too," Sawabe's one line really hit home:

"If that's the case, then I should be able to get my own show in a week, right?"

Despite his long career and having served as the MC for numerous programs, Sawabe has somehow never had a show with his own name in the title. Considering this "sad state" of affairs for Sawabe, you can imagine his questioning was particularly intense. If a show with "Yū Sawabe's..." in the title ever actually materializes, what would it be about? No one knows for sure, but when that day comes, Iwai probably won't be able to play dumb about it either.

Grated Daikon Invades Another Station? The Launch of "All Daikon Nippon"

Meanwhile, Harai-chi has been developing a series of surreal, ingredient-themed segments on their show: nori (Nori-Nori no Turn), bread (Dynamic Pan), sesame oil and salt (Goma Abura Jio). This time, they finally chose grated daikon radish as the theme, piloting a new corner called "All Daikon Nippon."

According to Iwai, he's become so into it lately that he'll sometimes just have a meal of grated daikon and rice. The title is clearly an homage to a famous program on another network. The content of this corner is as fluffy as freshly grated daikon, shaped by listener emails – that wonderfully freewheeling "Turn!" style. There's even an inventive segment about thinking up new ways to grate daikon, which is intriguing even for non-"daikon listeners."

Dad Sawabe's Unexpected Defeat in the Taiyaki War

This week's personal anecdote from Sawabe was also priceless. When he got home, he found six taiyaki—custard and butter-an—waiting. Hungry, he bit into one without checking the filling, only to find it was custard. He gave one to his kids, and that was also custard. In other words, he'd single-handedly polished off four of the six custard ones.

He nervously asked, "Is it okay that it's all custard?", but the food safety check was cleared. However, that wasn't the real issue. His wife was upset because *she* had wanted custard, and then his daughter added fuel to the fire by saying, "But *I* actually wanted the butter-an one." It sounded like an evening where you could practically hear the sizzle of Dad Sawabe's standing in the family burning up, right along with those taiyaki.

The Two from "Harashi": Then and Now

Their comedy duo's name comes from the area of Harashi in Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture. It's surprising to learn that Iwai and Sawabe have been childhood friends since kindergarten there. It was memorable when Sawabe passionately talked about wanting to do a location shoot in "Harashi" when he was the MC for the program "Bulk Buy ☆ Star's Gratitude Project."

Sawabe's dream of giving a Harley-Davidson scooter to the "lady at Harashi Station" who warmly watched over them as they practiced their routines, and their idea to donate a sumo ring to Myōgonji Kindergarten where they first met—these dreams are surely still being nurtured somewhere.

What this radio episode revealed was Iwai expanding his individual opportunities, and Sawabe, who watches this with mixed feelings but masterfully turns it into the biggest laugh. They truly embody what you might call "deadpan and manic life," showcasing their incredible sense of balance.

Iwai with a named show, Sawabe without. Going forward, Harai-chi's "Turn!" will continue, even embracing this "gap." What kind of "scenario" will unfold next week? Time to tune in again at midnight.

This Week's "Harai-chi no Turn!" Recap

• Shocking Fact: Yuki Iwai to start a new named show on NACK5 this April. Does Yū Sawabe's dream of a "named show" get pushed further away?
• New Corner: The grated daikon radio show "All Daikon Nippon" launches for a limited (?) time.
• Private Lives: Sawabe suffers a major loss in a family war over six taiyaki. Iwai loses his "soggy feet" identity crisis thanks to the heated floors.

"Harai-chi no Turn!" airs every Thursday at midnight. The after-talk is said to feel like walking down a country path after school. Don't miss it.