Yukipoyo / Shupei (PecoPa)　

2025.12.09

A guide to laughing together and supporting each other

■Fashion model and talent Yukipoyo
She made her debut as a reader model for the magazine "egg" in 2012. In 17, she appeared on the romance reality show "Bachelor Japan." Her innocent character gained her popularity, and since appearing on the show, she has been active mainly on television variety shows.

■ Comedian Shupei (Pecopa)
Matsuinji, a former band member, and Shupei, a former gal guy, met while working part-time and formed a comedy duo in 2008. Matsuinji, known for his kimono and flashy makeup, competed in the "M-1 Grand Prix 2019" for the first time, changing from kimono to a suit and making it to the finals, where he placed third. At this "M-1" event, his comedy routines, also known as "nori tsukko nai" (no jokes) and memorable phrases such as "Let's turn back time," attracted a lot of attention and made him an instant hit.

Yukipoyo, who works as a model and talent, and Shupei from the comedy duo Pekopa, are the co-hosts of a new YouTube variety show."Our Instruction Manual"The show began airing on Monday, July 21st. In this interview, we delve into the experiences of the two students, their views on work, and their own "how-to guides."

■ I found myself during my student days

Yukipoyo: When I was a student, the thing I focused on the most was makeup. The high school I went to was a bit on the gyaru side, and the atmosphere was such that you wouldn't get scolded by the teachers if you wore makeup during class. I would look at my face every day and study makeup, thinking, "I want to get better" and "I want to be more cute."
When I was a freshman in high school, I became a model for the magazine "egg" and started to think, "I want to make a living in the entertainment industry." I prioritized photography too much and didn't get enough credits, so I ended up repeating the year, but the knowledge I gained at that time about "what colors suit me" and "how to present myself" is still useful in my current job.

Shupei: In my case, I was completely devoted to soccer during my school days. I practiced every day with the aim of becoming a professional, and on Mondays, my only day off a week, I considered it my "day to make a difference." I would strip down my belongings to the bare minimum and go to Marui in Machida, putting all my energy into making high school girls think I was "cool" (laughs).
I also developed friendships through my serious dedication to soccer. I still connect with my high school friends from my all-boys class on a group LINE, and we celebrate each other's birthdays. The connections we made back then continue to support me to this day.

■ Reasons for continuing, the message we want to convey

Yukipoyo: I've been working in the entertainment industry since high school, so even if you asked me "which is the most fun," I couldn't choose, because I enjoy everything (laughs). But there are definitely moments when I feel it's worthwhile. That's when someone tells me, "Gyaru are great."
I think of gal culture as one of Japan's traditions. Even if my appearance changes, I will always remain a gal at heart. I want to continue to tell the younger generation and people overseas that "gals are free and awesome." When someone says to me, "After seeing Yukipoyo, I wanted to become a gal," I truly feel glad that I became a gal.

Shupei: I wasn't interested in comedy from the beginning. But when I saw my classmate doing well as a J-League player, I started to think, "I want to continue doing something and achieve results too."
And, of course, the reason I'm able to continue doing this job now is largely thanks to our fans. After performing live shows without an audience and recording remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many people came to our local events, I realized how many people had been waiting for us. Right now, I'm working with the thought, "As long as there's even one fan, I'll keep going."

■ Behind the scenes of YouTube's new variety show "Our Guide"

Yukipoyo: On "Watashitachi no Torisetsu," I act as the MC as if I were talking to a friend. The female guests who appear on the video are similar to me in some ways, and I can empathize with them, so we feel very close to each other.
Hearing the values that the guests hold dear makes me think, "I want to cherish those too," and it gives me an opportunity to reflect on myself. Every time I shoot, I feel like I've become richer in another way. By the way, I also appreciate any information about delicious gyoza (laughs).

Shupei: What I'm conscious of on the show is "to make the set brighter than anything." Rather than just managing the show, I try to approach it with the mindset of "I want to have the most fun." When the staff members laugh, I think "Yes!" and I believe that this will be conveyed to the viewers watching on screen.
If the atmosphere on the show is fun, it naturally encourages people to speak up. I feel that my role is to create that kind of atmosphere.

■ Your own “instruction manual”

Yukipoyo: My "how-to" is to "live life honestly." It's important to be able to switch between on and off, but I don't like having a double life. Whether I'm at home, with my family, or in front of my dog (lol), I want to be the same person I am all the time.
Being honest is something that may lead to failure, but I still think it's the most important thing. Honest people are nice to be around, and I honestly believe that "honest girls are the most popular" (laughs).

Shupei: I also value being natural. When I interact with others, I try to be gentle because I don't want to make them feel bad. I rarely get angry or use rough language.
It's important to be able to switch between on and off, but the best thing is not to force yourself to look good. I feel like if I worry too much about myself, happiness will slip away, so I try to be conscious of not worrying too much. I also try to make people feel like they had fun when they were with me.

■Message to university students

Yukipoyo: My younger sister is also a university student and is preparing to enter society. I often tell her, "The sooner you find out what you want to do, the smoother your life will go."
There's no need to rush, but if there's something you want to do, I want you to go for it. Even if you fail, it will surely be a learning experience for you. If there's something you want to do, I want you to see it through to the end, no matter what anyone says.

Shupei: What I've always valued is "living in the present." It's important to think about what you want to be in the future, but I think that more than that, facing "this moment" with all your might will connect you to your future.
Because you never know what will happen, cherish today and try to do what you can now. I wholeheartedly support those who "live life to the fullest in the present."

Student Newspaper Online, June 10, 2025, Interview by Tsuda University 3rd year student, Karin Ishimatsu