Terry Ito Column Vol.58 I met a fun woman at the Osaka Expo!

I went to the Osaka Expo as an ambassador for "O-MU-TSU WORLD EXPO 2025." I went as part of an initiative I've been proposing for some time: "Popularizing the world with a new name for diapers: paper briefs." Entering the Expo site, beyond the crowds, I saw the much talked about wooden structure known as the "Large Roof Ring," a breathtaking sight. It would be a real shame to demolish it after the Expo ends, considering the cost of maintaining it. The site was packed with people, and there were long lines at every pavilion. Amidst all this excitement, an O-MU-TSU talk show and fashion show were held at Shine Hut, where the opening ceremony was held, filling the 1900-seat hall to capacity.

An incredible model burst into our waiting room. Naturally, she was cute enough to be selected through an audition, but her vibe was that of a Yoshimoto Shinkigeki-esque, overly cheerful Kansai native. She suddenly made the shocking statement, "I normally wear the same pair of socks for three days straight." And that's not all. She easily keeps the same bath towel she uses after a bath for a month. While everyone around her was stunned, her success continued unabated. She boldly declared that she only washes her bra occasionally. Her story was simply hilarious. When I asked her about other heroic tales, she told me that she recently spent a month sleeping in a trailer on the beach in Miyakojima, washing her body and clothes in the ocean, and helping out on a friend's farm. I asked her if she was bothered by insect bites in such a place. She said she loves insects and has traveled the world in search of them. She even has no problem talking to cockroaches. She's a real star. Apparently, her hobby is photography, and she continues to capture interesting experiences from her daily life.

But the story doesn't end there. He even makes the shocking statement that he has a license to practice Buddhism and wants to pursue the path of Buddhism. He says he aspires to become an Ajari priest. Ajari priests are known for their rigorous training, even within Buddhism, and many monks give up due to the severity of the training. It is said that monks who overcome the unimaginable training are endowed with 13 virtues. I'm surprised. From the topic of wearing socks for three days straight to the unexpected topic of Ajari priests, he goes on to say, "If you think about it, being able to talk to cockroaches, not changing your underwear, not taking a bath for a month, capturing sunsets on camera, wanting to talk to people all over the world - perhaps these are Buddhist teachings? No, no, not at all...

While we were having a meeting before the show, she showed up wearing the paper briefs she was wearing for the fashion show. She was wearing her own underwear underneath, but she said in a cheerful voice, "This is weird, right? I'll take it off right away!" and headed to the bathroom. She was the most fun woman I met in Osaka. Please check out her Instagram @minenorie0428!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry