
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 Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Another side of Kyoto – The prefecture’s top 10 “road stations” for traveling foodies
Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
Tokyo’s insane Garlic Ramen is a meal, and an aroma, you’ll never forget[Taste test]
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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
“There are many mentally unwell girls in AKB48” claims ex-member of Japan’s top idol singer group
Foreign man arrested for grabbing former AKB48 idol on Tokyo street, forcing her to ground
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】