"The Catchphrase's Energy is Too Low": Chiaki Kobayashi Stunned by Direct Criticism from a Program AD!? Hiroki Yasumoto Shows Off His "Skillful Maneuvering"

Episode #20 of 'Say You To Yo Asobi Monday' on ABEMA's "Anime LIVE Channel" was broadcast on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 10:00 PM JST. This episode featured a segment titled "Let's Do AD Yoshida's Project!" where the hosts took on a challenge devised by the program's Assistant Director (AD), Yoshida.

At the beginning of the show, AD Yoshida delivered a candid critique to Chiaki Kobayashi: "I have a request for Chiaki-san... I've been meaning to mention this, but the catchphrases you use for the show's title call, like 'Konyamo Issho ni Yoasobi Shiyoze!' (Let's play together again tonight!) or 'Konya Nani Shite Asobu?' (What should we play tonight?), feel low energy... " He added, "I feel like you're holding back your effort..." Hiroki Yasumoto burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Holding back (laughs)! You shouldn't hold back!" Kobayashi retorted: "That's the charm of Monday! Why am I getting criticized like this? 'Say You To Yo Asobi' airs from Monday to Sunday, plus the Tsuna broadcasts, so if everyone is high-energy, we'll get tired. I think it's fine to be relaxed on a Monday, when work and school are just starting. That's why they chose these two (Yasumoto and Kobayashi), right?"

When AD Yoshida fell silent, Yasumoto jumped in to defend Kobayashi: "Don't say such cruel things! Don't corner him! He already gets cornered by the staff saying, 'We're counting on you (today)!' If he gets cornered from both sides, it'll be tough!" When Kobayashi asked, "Why are you taking their (the staff's) side, Yasumoto-san?" Yasumoto replied, "I have no choice but to do that!" plunging the studio into laughter.