Akashiya Sanma’s Beauty & Wellness Habits | Diet, Sleep and Skincare

With his unmistakable laughter, lightning-fast responses and remarkable ability to turn even an ordinary comment into a moment of comedy, Akashiya Sanma has entertained Japanese television audiences for decades. Whenever he appears on screen, he seems to be enjoying every conversation, finding humor in unexpected places and making the people around him laugh.

Born on July 1, 1955, Sanma turned 71 in 2026. Originally from Wakayama Prefecture and raised in Nara Prefecture, he entered the entertainment world in 1974 as an apprentice to the rakugo master Shofukutei Matsunosuke II. After beginning his career in traditional Japanese comic storytelling, he became a nationwide star through the television comedy show Oretachi Hyokinzoku during the 1980s.

He also established himself as an actor, appearing in popular television dramas such as Danjo Shichinin Natsu Monogatari (Seven Men and Women: Summer Story) and Danjo Shichinin Aki Monogatari (Seven Men and Women: Autumn Story). His performances alongside actress Shinobu Otake attracted considerable attention. He subsequently became one of Japan's best-known television hosts through programs including Sanma no Manma, Koi no Karasawagi, Odoru! Sanma Goten!! and Honma Dekka!? TV.

Having remained at the forefront of Japanese entertainment for more than half a century, Sanma might seem like someone who follows an exceptionally disciplined approach to health. Yet many aspects of his daily life are surprisingly unconventional.

He has spoken about eating relatively small meals, sleeping only a few hours and avoiding long baths. At the same time, he enjoys golf, football and international travel. At home, he has even tended a traditional Japanese pickling bed and spent late-night hours sewing and making things by hand.

His approach to beauty is equally distinctive. Sanma has expressed a desire to let television audiences see him grow older naturally. Yet he has also admitted feeling uncertain after receiving skincare advice from his former wife, Shinobu Otake, and fellow comedians.

In 2024, a problem with his voice became serious enough for him to consider retirement. More recently, he has spoken about experiencing back trouble and has shown concern for younger colleagues returning to work after illness.

Although he often appears tirelessly energetic on television, Sanma has also experienced physical changes, uncertainty and moments when he has had to think carefully about continuing his career.

Drawing on his television and radio interviews, official biographical information and published reports, this article explores Akashiya Sanma's beauty and wellness habits, eating patterns, sleep, bathing preferences, hobbies, family relationships and philosophy of life.

1. Akashiya Sanma at 71: His Philosophy of Life and Passion for Work

When considering how Akashiya Sanma has remained active in entertainment for so many years, it is worth looking beyond his eating and sleeping habits. His attitude toward work, and particularly his enjoyment of interacting with other people, offers another important perspective.

After entering the entertainment industry in 1974, Sanma developed his comic timing through rakugo training before refining his distinctive style on television. He rose to prominence alongside entertainers such as Beat Takeshi on Oretachi Hyokinzoku, while his performances in Danjo Shichinin Natsu Monogatari demonstrated his abilities as an actor.

He subsequently became one of Japan's most recognizable talk-show hosts, establishing a career that has spanned several generations of television audiences.

What makes Sanma particularly memorable is that, despite his extraordinary experience, he continues to appear genuinely interested in the person sitting opposite him.

Whether speaking to an established film star or a young comedian, he reacts to facial expressions, unexpected remarks and changes in the conversation. Rather than relying entirely on prepared material, he finds humor in what happens naturally between people.

That curiosity, combined with a willingness to enjoy the moment, remains a defining feature of his television personality.

Why Sanma Tries Not to Say He Is Getting Old or Tired

In August 2026, Sanma discussed his approach to aging on the radio program MBS Young Town Saturday.

He explained that he consciously tries to avoid expressions such as "getting old," "declining" and "I'm tired."

This does not mean he never experiences fatigue. Instead, he believes that repeatedly putting such feelings into words may influence his own state of mind.

He has expressed a similar attitude toward commenting on hot or cold weather, suggesting that he prefers not to dwell unnecessarily on discomfort.

For someone whose profession is built around conversation, it is perhaps fitting that the words he chooses in everyday life matter to him as well.

Sanma's personal approach to language reveals something about the mindset he has developed over many years. He prefers to direct his attention toward what he can still enjoy rather than define himself solely by his age.

At the same time, acknowledging physical fatigue and responding appropriately to symptoms remain important. Sanma himself has discussed the importance of rest when reflecting on a period of vocal trouble.

How Gekidan Hitori Challenged Sanma's Unusual Health Philosophy

An especially entertaining contrast between two approaches to health emerged on the February 28, 2026 broadcast of Tsukai! Akashiya TV.

Comedian Gekidan Hitori explained that he admired the continued vitality of veteran actor Hideki Takahashi and had become increasingly conscious of his own lifestyle.

He had given up smoking and drinking, maintained a jogging routine and paid close attention to his meals. He also described incorporating foods such as canned mackerel, broccoli sprouts, walnuts and blueberries into his diet.

Yet there was one person who made Gekidan Hitori question his confidence in this carefully managed lifestyle: Akashiya Sanma.

From Hitori's perspective, Sanma was still smoking and functioning on relatively little sleep, yet appeared extraordinarily energetic on television. He jokingly complained that watching Sanma made him wonder what all his own health-related efforts were for.

Sanma responded in his usual humorous manner, turning the contrast between them into an entertaining exchange.

Of course, appearing energetic on television is not the same as being medically healthy. Giving up smoking and maintaining regular physical activity are different from the lifestyle habits Sanma describes, and smoking carries well-established health risks.

What makes this story compelling is the contrast between Gekidan Hitori's carefully considered routines and Sanma's highly individual way of living.

Even when the conversation turns to a serious subject such as health, Sanma finds a way to turn another person's concerns into lively, entertaining dialogue.

His outlook also connects with one of the expressions most closely associated with him: Ikiteru dake de marumoke, often translated as "Just being alive is already a blessing."

Although Sanma is known for his cheerful public persona, he has experienced family loss and other difficult moments throughout his life. His philosophy emphasizes finding something worth appreciating even when circumstances do not unfold as expected.

The name of his daughter, IMALU, is also widely associated with this personal philosophy.

Across his long entertainment career, Sanma has faced challenges and uncertainty. Yet he continues to look for humor in everyday situations and opportunities to enjoy his conversations with others.

His philosophy is therefore about much more than following a particular health routine. It reflects how he chooses to interpret the experiences that make up his life.

2. Eating Until Only Partly Full: His Diet, Melon, Mandarins and Homemade Pickles

One of the most surprising aspects of Akashiya Sanma's daily habits is how little he says he eats.

During a May 2025 episode of Honma Dekka!? TV, Sanma explained that he could hardly remember ever feeling completely full after a meal.

In Japan, people often hear the phrase hara hachibunme, meaning eating until roughly 80 percent full. Sanma, however, described his own eating pattern as closer to hara rokubunme, or approximately 60 percent full.

This was an expression of his personal experience rather than a measured percentage of his nutritional intake. Nevertheless, the reaction of the other guests showed how unusual they found his approach.

His eating habits had also attracted attention during a December 2024 television special. Comedian Yuzuru Kawai explained that Sanma tends to avoid eating heavily before recording because he feels that a full stomach can make him sleepy or less physically comfortable.

Sanma's work requires him to listen carefully, react immediately and sustain energetic conversations through lengthy filming sessions. His eating pattern appears closely connected to how he prefers to feel while working.

Individual nutritional requirements vary depending on age, activity level and health. Sanma's description of eating until only partly full is best understood as a personal habit rather than a universal dietary recommendation.

Why He Saves His Favorite Melon for Special Occasions

Sanma has also revealed an unusual way of thinking about one of his favorite foods: melon.

During the January 28, 2026 episode of Honma Dekka!? TV, a discussion about coping with colds led him to describe a personal ritual.

Although melon is one of his favorite fruits, he deliberately avoids eating it regularly.

Instead, he keeps it as something special to enjoy when he feels as though he might be coming down with a cold.

Sanma explained that he tells himself eating something he loves will help him feel better.

His fellow guests were amused by the unconventional reasoning, and the discussion quickly became another humorous Sanma moment.

The story is about his personal motivation and enjoyment of food rather than a medically established treatment for illness.

Instead of eating his favorite fruit whenever he wishes, Sanma saves it for moments when he wants something especially enjoyable. It is a small but revealing example of the playful way he approaches daily life.

Mandarins, Sunshine and Fish in His Personal Routine

Sanma has spoken about equally distinctive habits involving mandarins and spending time in sunlight.

During a May 2020 broadcast of Young Town Saturday, he discussed how he had adapted his usual activities while spending more time at home.

He had previously described eating mandarins, getting some sunshine and moving his body as part of his personal approach to feeling well.

When opportunities to go out became more limited, he spoke about spending time on his rooftop in the sunlight and eating fish such as sardines and whitebait.

The conversation became particularly amusing when he jokingly mentioned restless leg movements as a substitute for more conventional physical activity, leaving his longtime colleague Shoji Murakami surprised.

When Murakami expressed concern, Sanma responded with another joke, transforming the discussion into their familiar style of playful banter.

In 2025, singer Akiko Wada also recalled hearing Sanma speak about foods such as pickled plums and ginger juice.

These recollections illustrate how Sanma connects familiar foods and everyday activities with his own sense of well-being. General health care, however, involves appropriate nutrition, rest and medical attention when needed.

His Surprisingly Domestic Hobby: Caring for a Japanese Pickling Bed

Another side of Sanma's relationship with food emerged on a March 2021 episode of Merenge no Kimochi.

He revealed that he had begun making his own nukazuke, traditional Japanese vegetables pickled in a fermented rice-bran mixture.

Sanma had already enjoyed eating nukazuke for years. Then, while spending more time at home, a fan gave him a container of nukadoko, the rice-bran pickling bed used to prepare the vegetables.

Feeling that he should take proper care of the gift, he started looking after it himself.

He soon discovered that maintaining a pickling bed involved more work than he had expected. It required regular attention, including mixing the bran and checking the vegetables.

Sanma jokingly complained about the effort involved, yet continued caring for it.

His longtime friend Miyoko Asada then gave him some of her own pickling mixture, which he combined with his existing batch.

On the television program, Sanma presented eggplants and cucumbers he had prepared himself. A specialist examined the pickling mixture and praised the care that had gone into maintaining it.

It is an unexpectedly charming image: the television star famous for nonstop conversation quietly tending a container of fermented rice bran at home.

The story also reveals his willingness to keep working at something once he has started, even if it turns out to be more demanding than anticipated.

His friendship with Asada gives the habit another personal dimension. A simple food preference became a shared interest and a small connection between longtime friends.

Although Sanma is known for eating relatively little, he also enjoys social meals. He has spoken fondly of the Japanese yakiniku restaurant chain Jojoen, which has been used for gatherings and television-program celebrations.

During an August 2026 television appearance, he recalled an amusing situation involving former Honma Dekka!? TV colleague Ayako Kato, who had previously been uncomfortable eating meat.

Sanma described how her relationship with meat gradually changed, turning the memory into another lively story.

These anecdotes suggest that, for Sanma, the enjoyment of eating is not necessarily about consuming a large quantity. The people gathered around the table and the stories they share can be just as important.

3. His Views on Skincare, Age Spots, Foundation and Growing Older Naturally

When exploring Akashiya Sanma's beauty habits, his attitude toward aging is particularly interesting.

Rather than focusing on an elaborate skincare routine, Sanma has spoken about wanting television viewers to see him grow older naturally.

In May 2025, he revealed on Young Town Saturday that his former wife Shinobu Otake and fellow comedian All Kyojin had both offered him advice about caring for his face.

He had long felt that showing the visible passage of time was part of being a television personality who had appeared before the public for decades.

Yet the people close to him did not necessarily share that view.

Shinobu Otake Encouraged Him to Consider Foundation

One of the conversations involved Sanma's former wife, actress Shinobu Otake.

According to Sanma, Otake conveyed a message through television personality Matsuko Deluxe, suggesting that he might want to start using foundation.

Having appeared regularly on television for so many years, Sanma's face has naturally changed as he has grown older.

He had considered those changes something that audiences should be able to see.

However, hearing advice about his appearance from someone with whom he had once shared married life evidently gave him something to think about.

The exchange also illustrates the unusual but warm relationship between Sanma and Otake, who have continued to speak openly about each other long after their divorce.

All Kyojin Also Had Advice About His Age Spots

Sanma also received skincare advice from All Kyojin, a fellow veteran comedian whom he has known for many years.

All Kyojin mentioned that he himself had taken steps to care for facial pigmentation and encouraged Sanma to consider his appearance as someone who remained constantly visible on television.

There was something particularly amusing about the combination of people offering the advice: Sanma's former wife and a longtime colleague from the comedy world.

Sanma admitted that hearing similar suggestions from both made him reconsider his longstanding approach.

He found himself caught between his wish to show natural signs of aging and the possibility that paying more attention to his appearance might also be worthwhile.

It was a relatable moment of uncertainty from someone who often appears completely confident in front of the camera.

The discussion concerned his personal feelings about beauty and appearance. It did not establish that he subsequently underwent a particular cosmetic procedure or began using a specific skincare product.

Sanma has also shown curiosity about how other people approach beauty.

On Honma Dekka!? TV, he has met beauty professionals and entertainers who devote considerable attention to skincare. When beauty journalist Kayoko Amano appeared on the program, he asked questions about the skincare habits she had maintained over the years.

Although he values showing his own aging process naturally, he remains interested in hearing different perspectives.

This openness is typical of the way he approaches conversations. He can hold a strong personal opinion while still being curious about someone else's experience.

Beauty standards vary across generations and individuals, and Sanma's discussions bring those differences into the world of entertainment.

4. Short Sleep, Late-Night Sewing and an Unexpected Passion for Making Things

One of Sanma's most frequently discussed lifestyle characteristics is his short sleeping time.

Over the years, he has described sleeping approximately three to four hours a day.

During an October 2026 episode of Odoru! Sanma Goten!!, his nocturnal routine came up again, including the fact that he sometimes goes to sleep at around six in the morning.

This is very different from a typical early-morning routine. For Sanma, the hours after midnight can still be filled with work, entertainment and hobbies.

These statements describe his habits at particular times rather than a measured daily sleep record. Adequate sleep remains an important part of health, and Sanma's unusual schedule should be understood as an individual lifestyle rather than a model to imitate.

When LaSalle Ishii Tried to Copy Sanma's Routine

In January 2026, an amusing story about entertainer LaSalle Ishii was discussed on Young Town Saturday.

Ishii had reportedly tried to copy Sanma's habits in an attempt to understand the source of his quick thinking and extraordinary activity level.

He imitated Sanma's sleeping patterns, eating habits and daily schedule.

However, after approximately three days, he found the lifestyle too difficult to continue.

The story was introduced by comedian Tsuyoshi of the duo Nakagawa-ke, and Sanma acknowledged that it had happened.

It is a memorable illustration of how a routine that feels familiar to one person may place considerable strain on someone else.

Starting Sewing Projects at Three in the Morning

Sanma's activities during the night extend well beyond watching television or following sports.

During a March 2021 appearance on Merenge no Kimochi, he revealed a surprising passion for handmade projects.

He has enjoyed repurposing clothing, making tissue-box covers and modifying personal belongings to suit his tastes.

According to Sanma, he sometimes starts these projects at around three in the morning.

Television personality Masami Hisamoto was astonished by the thought of the famously talkative entertainer quietly operating a sewing machine in the middle of the night.

Sanma responded with a self-deprecating joke about how sad the scene might look, sending the studio into laughter.

Yet behind the humor is a genuine interest in creating things with his hands.

He has also spoken about customizing cars and small personal items rather than simply leaving everything exactly as it was purchased.

His enjoyment of taking familiar objects and making them more personal reflects the same playful imagination that audiences see in his comedy.

His Dream of Making Shigaraki Pottery for Beat Takeshi and George Tokoro

Sanma's interest in making things extends beyond sewing and clothing alterations.

On Merenge no Kimochi in 2021, he revealed that he had once imagined retiring at 60 and setting up a pottery kiln in Shiga Prefecture to make traditional Shigaraki ware.

His dream involved more than simply taking up ceramics as a hobby.

He wanted to create pottery modeled on the faces of entertainers who had been important to his career, including Beat Takeshi and George Tokoro.

He imagined presenting the finished pieces as expressions of gratitude for the relationships they had built over many years.

It is an unexpectedly affectionate idea from someone usually associated with rapid-fire jokes and television talk shows.

Sanma has also joked that he might eventually begin making pottery later in life.

The fact that he continues to imagine completely different creative pursuits shows how many interests exist beyond his television career.

During the same program, he showed a Shigaraki-ware tea incense burner that a fan had given him. Such burners gently warm tea leaves to release their fragrance, and the item offered another glimpse of his interest in handmade objects and traditional crafts.

5. Bathing, Back Trouble and Rest: How Sanma Responds to Physical Changes

Although Sanma often appears remarkably energetic, he has also discussed experiences that reveal his concerns about physical discomfort and aging.

His bathing habits, a previous episode of acute back pain and his concern for colleagues recovering from illness each offer a different perspective on his everyday life.

Why His Father's Death Influenced His Bathing Habits

Sanma's attitude toward bathing is rather different from the Japanese custom of relaxing in a hot bath for an extended period.

During a January 2026 episode of Young Town Saturday, he explained that he rarely spends much time soaking in a bathtub.

Even when visiting a hot spring, he tends to keep his time in the water short.

Behind this habit lies a painful family memory.

According to Sanma, his father died while bathing. The experience made Sanma particularly conscious of the temperature difference between a warm living room and a cooler bathroom.

He has mentioned that his living room may be comfortably heated while other areas of his home, including the bathroom and toilet, can feel cold during winter.

Although Sanma has not provided medical information that would establish his father's exact cause of death, his own account makes clear that the experience influenced how he thinks about bathing.

During a July 2026 episode of Sanma no Manma, he also remarked that he sometimes stays in the bathtub for less than a minute.

Part of the reason is simply that he would rather spend time doing something he enjoys, such as watching a football match.

His bathing habits therefore combine personal preference with the lasting influence of a family experience.

When He Experienced Severe Back Pain Just Before Filming

On the October 6, 2026 broadcast of Odoru! Sanma Goten!!, Sanma recalled an occasion when he developed sudden severe lower-back pain only 30 minutes before a recording was due to begin.

With the program approaching, he tried to respond to the discomfort in his own way.

He explained that he bent his body backward and subsequently felt able to continue working.

However, physician and television personality Arata Tomori, who was present during the conversation, pointed out that his approach was not an appropriate general response to such an injury.

Television personality Kazushige Nagashima also suggested that what happened to Sanma might simply have been fortunate and should not be treated as a method for others to follow.

Sanma turned the experience into another entertaining story, but the exchange offered an important distinction between a personal experience and appropriate medical care.

It also illustrated the intense sense of responsibility he has often shown toward his work, even at moments when his body has been under strain.

His Concern for Kōmoto Junichi After an Illness

A more caring side of Sanma's health-related conversations emerged during the October 17, 2026 episode of Young Town Saturday.

Comedian Junichi Komoto of the duo Jicho Kacho appeared as a substitute for Shoji Murakami.

Komoto had recently been hospitalized with a pancreatic health problem and had been discharged on October 3.

Upon hearing that Komoto had already resumed work, Sanma wondered whether he should be taking more time to rest.

Komoto explained that financial and everyday responsibilities made returning to work important to him.

Sanma continued the conversation as a senior colleague familiar with Komoto's circumstances.

He also remembered that Komoto had worked on dietary restrictions and other aspects of managing his condition for many years.

Although Sanma is known for his unconventional opinions about his own habits, he was concerned that his younger colleague might be returning to work too quickly.

The discussion included the usual jokes and teasing associated with their radio conversations, but there was also a sense of familiarity and concern.

Sanma remembered details about a colleague's health history and took an interest in how he was coping after hospitalization.

Such moments reveal another dimension of the entertainer who is so often seen making others laugh.

6. Golf, Football, Travel and His Fashion Friendship With Takuya Kimura

According to his official Yoshimoto Kogyo profile, Sanma's interests include tennis, golf, football and watching sports.

His enjoyment of these activities provides another way of understanding his personality. He has continued to be curious about sports, travel and different cultures throughout his career.

Golf in Australia and Conversations That Last Late Into the Night

Sanma has frequently visited Australia during the Japanese winter and has enjoyed playing golf there.

In September 2025, singer Akiko Wada recalled traveling to Australia with Sanma on an earlier occasion.

According to Wada, even after a day of golf, Sanma remained eager to talk. Their conversations continued late into the night.

Nevertheless, he was ready to head out for another round of golf the following day.

Wada remembered being astonished by his energy and enthusiasm.

For Sanma, a holiday seems to be as much about sharing experiences and conversations with friends as it is about taking a break from work.

These stories describe particular trips rather than his current exercise frequency, but they demonstrate the longstanding place golf has occupied in his life.

Finding Inspiration in New York and Broadway

Sanma has also spoken warmly about New York City.

During a May 2025 radio conversation, he described New York as one of his favorite cities among the many places he had visited.

What attracts him is not simply the city's famous landmarks but the energy of its people and its theater scene.

He has expressed particular enthusiasm for Broadway, where the performances and the atmosphere of the city inspire him to work harder himself.

Even after decades at the forefront of Japanese entertainment, Sanma continues to find motivation in seeing how performers and audiences engage with one another elsewhere in the world.

His passion for football has also shaped his interest in Europe.

Whether exploring a city, watching a match or experiencing live theater, he seems to enjoy the excitement of being surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do.

Why Almost 90 Percent of His Clothes Were Gifts

Sanma's fashion habits have produced some particularly memorable stories.

During a June 2025 episode of Oshare Clip, he revealed that approximately 90 percent of his everyday clothes had been given to him by other people.

One of the most important contributors to his wardrobe is actor and musician Takuya Kimura.

Sanma explained that Kimura frequently gives him clothes and even described him as something like his personal stylist.

Kimura is widely known for his interest in fashion, making the arrangement particularly amusing.

One friend carefully selects clothing, while the other happily wears it. Their long relationship has developed into a connection that extends well beyond their professional collaborations.

Sanma also enjoys modifying clothing and personal belongings himself, bringing his interest in handmade projects into the way he dresses.

His personal style therefore reflects both the generosity of close friends and his own playful creativity.

Sanma has also discussed possible plans for life after retirement.

During a television appearance in 2025, he jokingly spoke about the possibility of living in Osaka in the future.

Rather than imagining retirement solely as a time for quiet relaxation, he described possible adventures and entertaining situations that might await him.

His earlier dream of making Shigaraki pottery and his more recent thoughts about living in Osaka are different ideas, but they share the same underlying quality: Sanma continues to imagine new ways to enjoy life.

7. Voice Problems and Retirement Fears: A Turning Point in 2024

For an entertainer whose career depends so heavily on conversation, having difficulty speaking can be particularly frightening.

In 2024, Sanma experienced a period of vocal trouble serious enough to make him consider ending his career.

When His Voice Became Hoarse and Difficult to Control

During the summer of 2024, Sanma developed persistent hoarseness and found it increasingly difficult to speak as he normally would.

His vocal problems were noticeable during the television special FNS 27-Hour Television, and he later revealed how much the experience had troubled him.

For Sanma, talking is much more than a part of his work.

His ability to respond instantly to other people, expand a conversation and create humor depends on his voice.

Experiencing difficulty with something he had relied upon throughout his career naturally raised serious questions about his future.

Discussing Retirement With the President of Yoshimoto Kogyo

As his vocal condition continued to concern him, Sanma spoke to Yoshimoto Kogyo president Akihiko Okamoto about the possibility of retirement.

He later explained that his thoughts had progressed as far as considering a retirement press conference.

During their discussion, however, he unexpectedly felt that his voice was returning, and the plans for announcing his retirement were abandoned.

Sanma has recounted the episode with his customary humor, but the underlying situation was serious.

For a period, he genuinely feared that he might no longer be able to continue the work that had defined his adult life.

During an April 2026 radio broadcast, he looked back at that time and admitted that he sometimes felt he should have taken a break instead of continuing to work while his voice was strained.

He also described his perception of how his condition changed. This was his own recollection of a personal experience rather than a general method for managing vocal problems.

More importantly, the incident revealed that even someone so strongly committed to his career had to confront physical limitations and reflect on the importance of rest.

Seeing Sanma laughing energetically on television can make it easy to overlook such experiences. His account provides a more complete understanding of the person behind the familiar public image.

How a Conversation With Hikari Ota Changed His Retirement Plans

Sanma had actually considered retirement long before his voice problems began.

At one point, he planned to leave the entertainment industry when he turned 60.

One of the people who encouraged him to reconsider was comedian Hikari Ota of the duo Bakusho Mondai.

Ota suggested that Sanma should not necessarily retire while still at the height of his popularity. Instead, he wanted audiences to see what Sanma would become as he continued growing older.

The conversation left an impression on Sanma and helped change his thinking about retirement.

Years later, the two comedians appeared together as a temporary comedy duo called Koki Kanreki, a name referring to their milestone ages of 70 and 60.

They performed together on the October 11, 2025 broadcast of Owarai no Hi 2025.

On February 6, 2026, they reunited for another performance at an anniversary event for Titan Live.

Their routine expanded beyond its expected running time, and Ota's comedy partner Yuji Tanaka eventually joined them, creating an entertaining three-person exchange.

There is something particularly meaningful about this sequence of events.

Sanma once expected to retire at 60. Instead, after reconsidering his decision partly because of Ota's words, he found himself performing with Ota after turning 70.

The story illustrates how a conversation with another person can change the direction of a career and create unexpected opportunities many years later.

8. Shinobu Otake, IMALU, Nishō and Takuya Kimura: The Relationships That Shape His Life

To understand Akashiya Sanma as a person, it is important to explore the relationships he has maintained with family members, colleagues and longtime friends.

Although he is famous for turning nearly any subject into comedy, his stories about family reveal a more personal side.

His Marriage to Shinobu Otake and Their Continuing Family Connection

Sanma married actress Shinobu Otake in 1988 after the two had appeared together in television dramas including Danjo Shichinin Natsu Monogatari.

Otake already had a son, Nishō, from her previous marriage. In 1989, Sanma and Otake welcomed their daughter, IMALU.

The couple divorced in 1992, but their family connection continued long after the marriage ended.

During a June 2025 appearance on Tetsuko no Heya, Otake explained that they still maintained friendly relationships with one another and continued to gather as a family.

Because Sanma and Otake both have birthdays in July, celebrating together has become something of a family tradition.

The fact that a divorced couple continues to share birthday celebrations is an especially memorable part of their story.

Although their lives took different directions, they have remained connected through their children and important family occasions.

Nishō's Wedding and a Remarkable Connection With His Biological Father

One of the most moving family events Sanma discussed in 2025 was the wedding of Nishō, Shinobu Otake's eldest son.

The wedding took place on May 29, 2025.

Nishō was born to Otake and her first husband, Haruharu Hattori, but Sanma became an important father figure after marrying Otake.

Their connection continued even after Sanma and Otake divorced.

Nishō has affectionately referred to Sanma as "Boss," a nickname that reflects their distinctive relationship.

At the wedding, the seating arrangements even identified Sanma with the title Shinro Boss, meaning "the groom's boss."

The unusual title had been chosen to describe the place Sanma occupied in Nishō's life.

During the reception, Sanma gave a speech in a father-like role at Nishō's request.

It was during this speech that he revealed a remarkable story about Nishō's biological father, Hattori.

Sanma and Hattori had known each other before and had played tennis together.

Before Hattori passed away, Sanma had received a letter asking him, in essence, to look after Shinobu Otake.

Sanma explained that the letter had carried considerable meaning for him when he later considered marrying Otake.

A friendship built partly around tennis had eventually become connected to a much larger family story.

Sanma included his characteristic jokes about marriage and divorce in the wedding speech, bringing laughter to the occasion while celebrating the newlyweds.

Behind the humor was the story of a man who had remained an important part of a child's life for many years.

The wedding revealed Sanma's warmth as a family member as clearly as it displayed his ability to entertain a room.

His Daughter IMALU and Their Independent Ways of Life

Sanma's daughter IMALU has established her own career as a television personality and entertainer.

In recent years, she has also spoken publicly about dividing her time between Tokyo and Amami Oshima, an island known for its natural beauty.

Her lifestyle reflects her own interests, including spending time in nature and pursuing activities away from the entertainment industry's busiest environments.

Sanma and IMALU have continued their relationship as father and daughter while following different personal and professional paths.

Their family illustrates how people can maintain meaningful connections while choosing very different ways of living.

For Sanma, family stories sometimes become humorous material on television, but his involvement in important family occasions reveals the enduring significance of those relationships.

His Long Friendship With Takuya Kimura and the Television Special SanTaku

One of Sanma's best-known professional friendships is with actor and musician Takuya Kimura.

Their annual New Year television special, SanTaku, reached its 24th consecutive year in 2026.

The program follows the two entertainers as they discuss activities they would like to try and then put those ideas into practice.

In the 2026 edition, they visited the Noto region and spent time meeting local people and taking part in creative activities.

They made matching custom denim items and worked on decorative daruma dolls carrying messages of hope for the area's recovery.

The program offered a chance to see how their longstanding relationship functions outside the familiar format of a television studio conversation.

Although they have known each other for decades, they continue to find new experiences to share.

Their relationship is also reflected in the clothing Kimura gives Sanma, making the friendship part of his everyday life as well as his work.

Sanma's other longstanding relationships are equally revealing.

Shoji Murakami has often contributed stories about Sanma's unusual everyday habits. Miyoko Asada has shared something as personal and domestic as her rice-bran pickling mixture. Akiko Wada has recalled their time playing golf and talking late into the night in Australia.

These friendships have developed through different experiences, but they share a common feature: Sanma has continued to enjoy conversation, companionship and shared memories throughout his life.

Such relationships have shaped not only his career but also the ordinary moments that make up his life away from the cameras.

Conclusion: Akashiya Sanma's Energy Comes With a Distinctive Way of Enjoying Life

Looking closely at Akashiya Sanma's beauty and wellness habits reveals a lifestyle filled with unexpected details, from his personal approach to food to late-night creative projects, international travel and lasting family relationships.

He has expressed a desire to let television audiences see him grow older naturally while remaining open to advice from people who know him well.

He enjoys transforming everyday experiences into stories and continues to take an interest in unexpected hobbies, including sewing and the possibility of making traditional pottery.

At the same time, his experience with voice problems in 2024 forced him to consider retirement seriously. He has also spoken about past back trouble and the concerns that arise when the body no longer responds exactly as expected.

When a younger colleague returned to work after illness, Sanma expressed concern about whether he had rested enough.

Such experiences show that his life contains more than the energetic personality audiences see on television.

His connections with Shinobu Otake, IMALU and Nishō, as well as longtime friends such as Takuya Kimura and Hikari Ota, have remained important across different stages of his life.

His familiar philosophy, Ikiteru dake de marumoke, captures the way he has tried to approach the challenges and opportunities life presents.

Sanma's personal eating and sleeping patterns are not universal recommendations. Instead, they offer a fascinating window into the distinctive routines of one of Japan's most enduring entertainers.

Perhaps the most appealing lesson from his story is the importance he places on curiosity, conversation and finding things to enjoy, even as life continues to change.

At 71, Akashiya Sanma remains a performer whose next conversation, joke or unexpected new interest is something audiences can look forward to.