
Larger-than-life columnist and talent Matsuko Deluxe is well-known for her sharp tongue, particularly where pretty ladies are concerned. This week the target of her ire is idol groups like AKB48.
On a radio show Monday, she slammed the idea of them performing for the Tokyo Olympics as “embarrassing.”
The comments came as part of a discussion about the announcement by AKB48’s producer Yasushi Akimoto regarding his desire to create a Japan48 group to perform at the 2020 Olympics. Lest you think that is farfetched showbiz dreaming, Akimoto is part of the Organizing Committee’s executive board and will have a hand in creating the ceremonies.
Matsuko recoiled at the idea. “I absolutely don’t want them to perform at the opening ceremony,” she said. “As long as they aren’t part of the opening or closing ceremony, I don’t care what they do, but please use somebody for the opening and closing ceremonies that wouldn’t be an embarrassment.”
On the Itai News message board, readers seemed inclined to agree.
“That is a sound argument.”
“That’s the consensus of the rest of Japan.”
“AKB is the shame of Japan.”
Matsuko went on to say that the recent trend of increasing spectacle for the ceremonies wasn’t Japan’s style. She suggested “something quiet would be more Japanese.”
What do you think, Rocketeers? What kind of opening ceremony would you like to see for 2020?

Government’s Cool Japan Project to fund AKB48 sister group in Philippines
AKB48’s new idol outfits are so stylish everyone’s talking about the company that makes them
Idol singer mega-group AKB48 cancels annual General Election following string of scandals
Japanese idol supergroup AKB48 said to phasing out swimsuit modeling for younger teen members
AKB48, Japan’s biggest idol singer group, apologizes for selling “Date Tickets”
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji two times in two days, but system is working as intended
Ninja theme park suddenly closes in Japan, shadow warriors undone by shady real estate deals
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
The Japanese government is ending its Cool Japan Fund program
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Masturbatory aid maker Tenga releases officially licensed anime versions in Japan and U.S.
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan’s Rabbit Island in danger of becoming Boar Island, tourists asked to follow feeding rules
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Stay at a hotel with a bed for your plushie in Japan
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Former AKB48 member speaks out against Osaka school that forced its student to dye her hair
Subpar AKB48 performance in Thailand earns scalding remarks from netizens 【Video】
Who’s still buying physical media in Japan? Top 20 singles lists for the year reveal the answer
Foreign man arrested for grabbing former AKB48 idol on Tokyo street, forcing her to ground
“There are many mentally unwell girls in AKB48” claims ex-member of Japan’s top idol singer group
Idols ahoy! AKB48 to hold concerts at Universal Studios Japan every day starting in July
AKB48’s Indonesian spin-off group JKT48 forced to downsize due to pandemic
Japan votes on the musical act they most want to see in the Olympic opening ceremony
Prepare to be outraged: Japan votes for its “100 Best World Class Songs” 【Videos】