Takurou Makes ABEMA Debut as MC! Special Soccer Program 'Takurou's Soccer Connoisseur Words 11' Live on ABEMA June 18 (Thu) at 9 PM! Featuring Junki Kono (JO1), Akemi Horita, Kurina Maruyama, Daisuke Jung

ABEMA, the 'New Future Television,' will live broadcast a special soccer program titled 'Takurou's Soccer Connoisseur Words 11,' hosted by the comedy duo Takurou in their first-ever MC role on ABEMA. The program will air on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9:00 PM.

The MCs are the comedy duo Takurou, marking their debut as hosts on ABEMA. The show will be guided by ABEMA announcer Akane Takizawa. Guests include Junki Kono of JO1, who participated in a national high school tournament, actress Akemi Horita, a passionate soccer fan who supports the sport with her family, and former professional soccer players Kurina Maruyama and Daisuke Jung.

The program will feature fun explanations of soccer keywords that make viewers sound like 'experts' when watching matches, using quizzes and live demonstrations. Takurou's Akagi, a soccer novice, will learn the charm of soccer from the star guests and gain knowledge to make international tournaments even more enjoyable. Additionally, the show will include a segment where they search for soccer terms and player information using Google Search™'s AI mode. The content is designed to be enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned soccer fans.

Ahead of the broadcast, Akagi Masahiro of Takurou said, 'I think the casting is quite challenging, but I’ve always been a casual fan who looks forward to major international tournaments. I’d like to study alongside our viewers and build excitement together!' Meanwhile, Kimura Band commented, 'I never thought the words 'program MC' would ever apply to me in my life!!! This is the greatest happiness ever!!! I’ll give it my all!!!' Junki Kono of JO1 also called out to viewers: 'Let’s all cheer on Japanese soccer this year!'

Don’t miss this special program where you can enjoyably learn about the charm of soccer alongside an all-star cast, only on ABEMA.

[Full Guest Comments]

＜Takurou Full Comments＞

▼Akagi Masahiro

— As this is your first time hosting on ABEMA, how are you feeling ahead of the live broadcast?

It’s my first time being an MC on a TV program, and I have little experience with live broadcasts. In past live appearances, I’ve been left speechless by the host’s cues, causing chaos on set (laughs).

And this time, it’s a soccer program where I have almost no knowledge. I think the casting is quite challenging, but I love sports in general, and as a casual fan, I always look forward to major international tournaments. I’d like to study alongside our viewers and build excitement together!

— The theme is 'Soccer Connoisseur Words,' but do you have any 'Comedy Connoisseur Words' you think of?

'Lately, I’ve been using 'nuance is funny' a lot.

It’s something you use when something is funny in a way that logic can’t explain. For example, in our M-1 comedy routine, the line 'At least let me know' from our second act 'Beverly Hills' is exactly that kind of humorous nuance.'

— A message to viewers?

I’m quite the casual fan who only watches during big international tournaments, but I always wake up early and cheer passionately. That’s why I’m really looking forward to this program.

Let’s gain knowledge from this show and together make soccer viewing even more enjoyable!

▼Kimura Band

— As the program’s MC, how are you feeling ahead of the live broadcast?

I never thought the phrase 'program MC' would ever come into my life!!!

This is the greatest happiness ever!!

I’ll give it my all with full force!!!!

— The theme is 'Soccer Connoisseur Words,' but do you have any 'Comedy Connoisseur Words' you think of?

'He’s got insane behind-the-scenes skills, must be valued by writers.'

— A message to viewers?

I’m incredibly pumped, but I want all of you watching to enjoy it in a supremely relaxed state!!

＜Junki Kono (JO1) Full Comments＞

— Mr. Kono, you participated in a national tournament in high school. Please share your thoughts on appearing in a soccer program.

As JO1 and as a soccer fan, this year is incredibly exciting! I want to share as much of soccer’s charm as possible so that everyone can watch with excitement.

— The theme is 'Soccer Connoisseur Words,' but do you have any 'JO1 Connoisseur Words' you think of?

'If you’re late, you pay out of pocket,' 'Go to the TOP.'

— A message to viewers?

Let’s all cheer on Japanese soccer this year!

Program Details: 'Takurou's Soccer Connoisseur Words 11'

Broadcast Date & Time: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/channels/world-sports/slots/9drbBcTPqaM26B

Cast:

MC: Takurou

Host: Akane Takizawa (ABEMA Announcer)

Guests: Akemi Horita, Junki Kono (JO1), Kurina Maruyama, Daisuke Jung

Provided by: Google (Google Search)

※ When using images, please credit: 【(C) AbemaTV, Inc.】

About ABEMA

ABEMA, celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, is a video streaming service aiming to innovate television as the 'New Future Television.' Since launch, it has operated as an internet TV platform that requires no registration and is free to enjoy, broadcasting around 25 channels 24/7, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas and romance reality shows pursuing 'highest quality or one-of-a-kind,' variety shows, anime, and sports.

In addition to boasting Japan’s largest number of original episodes among domestically developed video services (※), ABEMA offers a rich lineup of new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, trending anime, live sports broadcasts, and online concerts. Viewers can enjoy content anytime, free from time constraints, via TV, on-demand, smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, providing content that fits diverse lifestyles.

The monthly 'ABEMA Premium' service (¥1,180 including tax) offers ad-free viewing and exclusive features, while the 'Ad-Supported ABEMA Premium' (¥680 including tax) allows access to premium content with ads.

(※) As of March 2026, based on internal research

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Google Search AI Mode