Yamashita Daiki's Niku-King #11 Overview
On November 4, 2025, voice actor Yamashita Daiki, known for his role in the popular mobile game "Ensemble Stars!!" and part of the Knights unit, hosted a lively episode of "Niku-King" supported by Animelo. The show featured fellow voice actor Ryo Tsuchida as a special guest, where they passionately discussed live performances while cooking a scrumptious beef stew.
The Concept of Niku-King
"Niku-King" is a culinary show where meat-loving voice actor Yamashita invites his fellow voice actors, who share their culinary skills by preparing their special meat dishes. Yamashita relishes these creations, making it a delightful treat for fans. In this episode, Tsuchida, voicing Azakura Tsuki from the same unit, introduced a signature dish inspired by the Knights’ song, "Checkmate Knights."
Opening Banter and Introduction
The show kicked off with Yamashita's energetic question, asking viewers what they had for dinner, eliciting a flurry of delicious responses from fans. His playful reaction to the comments—complaining mockingly about his growling stomach—set a fun tone for the program. Tsuchida's entrance was humorous, reminiscent of their characters, connecting the show's theme with their rich backgrounds in "Ensemble Stars."
Upcoming Live Event
Both singers are gearing up for the live event "Starry Symphony -Superbloom-" on November 24, where they’ll be performing alongside other members of the Knights. Yamashita teased their long practice sessions, revealing the strong bond he shares with his group members, reminiscing about funny moments that occurred during their outings together.
Cooking Segment: Checkmate Beef Stew
With strong culinary skills, Tsuchida took the stage to prepare the dish under the supervision of culinary expert Mariko Fujioka, who assisted with calm instructions. Despite his initial nervousness in front of the camera, Tsuchida expertly prepared beef stew, incorporating fresh ingredients with a touch of creativity. They seasoned the meat, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and pineapple, and smoothly transitioned into making black demiglace sauce that would evolve into the dish’s heart.
While they cooked, lively conversations sparked, ranging from Tsuchida's cooking experience to Yamashita’s newfound fondness for various meats and Tsuchida's hometown of Hokkaido's renowned vegetables. They shared more about their dynamic collaboration, joking about what it would be like if all the Knights members cooked together.
During the preparation, minor mishaps occurred, like forgetting to add sautéed vegetables, yet the duo maintained a joyful atmosphere, asserting that fun should prevail in cooking. The dish's final reveal, a beautifully plated black beef stew with creamy accents, embodied the show’s duality of uniqueness.
Tasting and Backstage Chatter
In an exclusive segment for Animelo+ members, the two relished the aroma and flavors of their creation. Yamashita was enthusiastic, expressing his desire for their fellow Knights members to enjoy this delightful beef stew.
As they delved into discussions of the upcoming live event, they reflected on the challenges of performing with such enthusiasm and creativity, with both confessing nerves about only having one chance instead of the usual two-day presentations. The sense of responsibility weighed heavier, yet Tsuchida pointed out that sometimes, constraints lead to exceptionally better performances.
Conclusion and Future Aspirations
Wrapping things up, Tsuchida conveyed his enjoyment of the relaxed cooking experience but admitted feeling regret over missing any component of the dish. Yamashita chimed in with hopes of having all Knights members featured in future cooking sessions, emphasizing the camaraderie that defines their group. The episode closed with warm wishes for the holidays and laughter, encapsulating the genuine friendship between these two artists.
For fans eager to recreate the delightful beef stew, the recipe is shared on the show’s viewing platform, encouraging culinary exploration.