description: On Japan's Talk Queens, Dean Fujioka admitted he murmurs “nsho, nsho” while changing socks. Rino Sashihara explained the joke with one observation.
He was so inspired by Chiikawa that he began imitating the little character without noticing. On Japan's Talk Queens, Dean Fujioka said that when tired, he sometimes changes his socks while making a tiny effort sound: “ンショ…ンショ…,” roughly “heave-ho.” Rino Sashihara observed that he wasn't merely being encouraged by Chiikawa anymore; he was becoming Chiikawa himself. That reversal was the punchline.
When was it broadcast?
Fujioka's official site listed October 21, 2026, at 24:15 Japan time, meaning 12:15 a.m. on October 22. Fuji TV's entertainment outlet recapped the exchange on October 22. Talk Queens is a celebrity conversation show featuring Sashihara, Asako Ito and other women. Chiikawa is a Japanese manga and anime about adorable little creatures who nevertheless face work, exams and difficult days.
Why did the conversation turn funny?
Fujioka, usually associated with a composed screen image, first noticed Chiikawa in a LINE messaging sticker. He then followed its stories, went to the movie with his mother and even selected a white outfit to resemble the character. Sashihara said she had watched the movie three times. Their enthusiasm led panelist Maki Fukuda to joke that the conversation sounded like a commercial.
The key detail was more personal. Fujioka identified with Chiikawa's determination to carry on while nearly crying. During the filming of the forensic drama LOVED ONE, he found the technical dialogue difficult and surrounded his mirror with Chiikawa figures to encourage himself. Eventually the character's little struggle became his own sock-changing sound. Sashihara flipped the story from “the fan draws strength from the character” to “the fan has become the character.” The sound is an expression of effort here, not a verified line from a particular anime episode.
Was his dressing-room collection new?
No. It began with one keychain, grew with gifts from colleagues and came to include Chiikawa bedding for breaks. He had already discussed this affection on Poka Poka in April 2026. The October episode added the white outfit, the sock habit and Sashihara's perfectly timed observation.
Conclusion
First he surrounded himself with Chiikawa. Then he started sounding like Chiikawa. The joke is affectionate, and it makes sense even if you have never watched the series.
References (5)
- Fuji TV / Mezamashi Media, 2026-10-22, on-air conversation: https://mezamashi.media/articles/-/361519
- Fuji TV / Mezamashi Media, merchandise and bedding: https://mezamashi.media/articles/-/361519?page=2
- Dean Fujioka official appearance notice: https://deanfujioka.net/news/20261014.html
- Sponichi, earlier appearance, 2026-04-08: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2026/04/08/kiji/20260408s00041000279000c.html
- TVer episode listing: https://tver.jp/episodes/eptuqc6mr6
Based on broadcaster reporting, not direct viewing of the full episode. No international viral reach is assumed.
