Amazon's New Challenge: The Ultimate Friendship Game
Amazon is set to launch an unprecedented variety show on August 1, 2025, known as
"Can You Call 100 Friends for 100 Million Yen?". This original show, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, has the largest cash prize in Amazon Japan's history, totaling 100 million yen. In this thrilling venture, contestants will engage in a challenging game that tests the limits of friendship in a high-stakes environment.
The premise centers around three players who must gather the most friends within a specified time limit. Each player can only inform their friends that they want them to come for personal reasons, purposely withholding any details about the game's concept or its true nature. As their friends eagerly gather in an empty room, unaware of what awaits them, various cunning tests of loyalty will unfold before them, leading to unexpected twists. Over 100 celebrities and notable personalities will participate, providing an extensive platform for genuine friendships to be tested under pressure.
The show will be hosted by popular comedy duo
Banana Man, consisting of
Toshi Shitara and
Bakarizumu. Their sharp observational skills and intelligence will see them concocting various schemes designed to stir confusion and anxiety among participants. They will pose the question,
“How much can one trust their friends in extreme circumstances?” while adding a blend of humor and biting commentary as the game progresses.
The contestants boast impressive networks and reputations in various entertainment sectors.
Tetsuya Morita, known for his work in comedy and various fans, claims to have the best connections in the industry.
Ikuto Kawai, praised for his extensive friendship circle in the idol world, and
Matt, who reportedly gathers around 300 acquaintances for his birthday celebrations, complete the lineup of contestants. Each participant is confident in their ability to summon their friends on demand, setting the stage for an exciting competitive atmosphere.
The main visual recently released showcases the hosts, Shitara and Bakarizumu, with mischievous smiles, hinting at the cunning strategies to come. Meanwhile, the players are depicted holding their phones ready to call their friends. As anticipation builds, viewers are left to ponder which contestant will emerge victorious and what dramatic narratives will unfold during the game.
In a statement about the show,
Thomas Dubois, head of Amazon MGM Studios France and Japan, expressed enthusiasm about creating such a bold and distinctive project. He emphasized that this ultimate friendship game would challenge the limits of human desire, betrayal, and authentic friendship. He encouraged audiences to look forward to the engaging experience awaiting them on their screens.
Participants' Insights:
- - Toshi Shitara (Host): "When I first heard about this project, I was filled with excitement. It’s grand in scale and like nothing we’ve ever done before. The setup and number of cameras make it truly incredible. The diversity of the players' networks adds to the anticipation of who might show up!"
- - Bakarizumu (Host): "I thought the concept sounded interesting, but it’s hard to know how it will play out until the moment arrives. It causes uncertainty regarding the kind of people that will attend. I’ve been curious about how it will unfold!"
- - Tetsuya Morita (Contestant): "I thought I might have a good chance once I realized who the competitors were. I believe I know an ample number of people to join in and am confident about winning!"
- - Ikuto Kawai (Contestant): "I was initially unsure about how many friends I had, but upon counting, it turns out I'm more connected than I thought. Expect big things from me!"
- - Matt (Contestant): "I was confident about calling my friends to join in, and I consider myself someone who likes to gather friends for meals often. Keep an eye on the show!"
Show Details:
- - Release Date: August 1, 2025
- - Number of Episodes: 6
- - Hosts: Toshi Shitara (Banana Man) and Bakarizumu
- - Contestants: Tetsuya Morita (Saraba Seishun no Hikari), Ikuto Kawai, Matt
Whether you want to witness the emotional trials or see how genuine friendships navigate through such a test, this new variety show will surely captivate audiences. Specific details regarding the rules and additional celebrity participants will be revealed soon, so don't miss out on what promises to be an exciting adventure on Amazon Prime Video!