Wada Akiko wears Akashiya Sanma's "treasured item" at a birthday party attended by a stellar cast of celebrities!

Akiko Wada, known as one of the most unique singers in the entertainment industry, received her favorite watch as a heartwarming gift from her ally, Sanma Akashiya. To mark the 40th anniversary of the broadcast of "Leave it to Akko!" in October this year, we followed her life as she grew from a delinquent girl to a nationally acclaimed singer, and her encounter with this special watch, which was filled with laughter.

Akiko Wada, who has been leading the long-running program for 40 years, and her gorgeous friends celebrating her birthday

　Every year around her birthday on April 10th, Akiko Wada posts on Instagram pictures of her celebrating with close celebrity friends. The photos feature a colorful cast, primarily consisting of cast members from the popular information variety show "Leave it to Akko!", a representative Japanese information variety show that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in October 2025.

　He is also friends with the big three of comedians Tamori, Beat Takeshi, and Sanma Akashiya, and co-starred with them in the drama "The Wada Akiko Murder Case." He is not limited to the entertainment industry, but also had a friendship with the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who frequented the same restaurant.

Akashiya Sanma, the caring guy, charms Akko with a surprise extra gift

　One story about Akiko Wada, who has such a glamorous circle of friends, is that on her birthday, Sanma Akashiya gave her a watch as a gift. The gift was a Franck Muller watch. The women's strap was not big enough for Akiko Wada, so she waited three months to have the strap lengthened. It is speculated that she probably did not search for a ready-made one that fit, but rather ordered an authentic product tailored to her size, which is why it took so long for it to be delivered.

　One day, while wearing the gifted watch over a meal, Akiko Wada remembered the incident as she began to get drunk, and called the gift's sender, Sanma Akashiya. She left a message complaining, "The strap was too short and it was a pain, and my eyesight has gotten worse recently, so I can't see the dial!" Later, Sanma Akashiya entrusted his manager with a Franck Muller "Tonneau Curvex Color Dream" watch, along with a giant wristwatch-style Manchester United wall clock, and had him bring it to Akiko Wada. Indeed, the numbers on this Franck Muller series are large, making it easy to read the time.

　The heartfelt handwritten message was accompanied by a humorous comment: "(First half omitted) It's a present that makes you feel like you've been mugged." Wada Akiko was so moved by the surprise, which was filled with laughter and was just what you'd expect from a big-name comedian, that she was moved to tears.

From "Minami no Ako" to a nationally popular singer: The story of Akiko Wada's debut

　Akiko Wada has an image of being strong and scary. In fact, this is not just an image, as she achieved a first-degree black belt in judo when she was in the first year of junior high school and was over 170cm tall. Raised in a strict family environment, she rebelled against her father and by the time she was in the second year of junior high school, she had become a delinquent gang leader with her followers, and was feared as "Minami no Ako" as she walked the streets of Osaka.

　When he visited a jazz cafe with some delinquent friends, he heckled a singer, which prompted him to go on stage himself, and his singing ability became famous. Hori Takeo, the founder of Horipro, heard rumors and came from Tokyo to scout him, and he decided to become a professional singer and moved to Tokyo, which led to his debut.

　At first, he was bullied by his seniors in the industry, with people writing graffiti on his shoes in the dressing room and calling him arrogant. However, perhaps because of his early years, he has a tender side and is quick to cry. On talk shows, he often talks about his experiences with serious illnesses and other humane stories, and his soulful singing voice is appreciated by everyone, making him a major presence.

Sanma gave the Frank Muller "Tonneau Curvex Color Dream"

　Akiko Wada, who praised the watch given to her by Sanma Akashiya as "the best!", was seen wearing the model on Instagram. The model is housed in a unique tonneau-shaped (barrel-shaped) case created by Franck Muller himself, and the dial features colorful Byzantine numerals, which are symbolic of the brand.

　The Tonneau Curvex is the only custom-made watch design that Franck Muller created when he was still a young independent watchmaker in his twenties. It continued to be loved as a signature style for the brand even after he founded his own brand in 1992. This model, which emphasizes its three-dimensional form, is made possible by the perfect balance of three curves. While reviving the typical 20th century Art Deco design, it also incorporates modern elements, resulting in a truly original silhouette.

　Franck Muller said that the inspiration for this piece came from young boys and girls frolicking and laughing on the most beautiful beaches in the world. The colorful dial expresses a sense of carefree euphoria and simple joy. The pearl enamel soleil guilloche dial, with its gorgeous appearance changing depending on the angle from which it is viewed, is another important element that draws the eye. Two sizes are available for women, Intermediaire and Ladies, and it is likely that the watch given to Akiko Wada was the Ladies size.

　Frank Muller's free and bold designs are a perfect match for Akiko Wada's character. In addition to Sanma Akashiya's selection sense, his witty exchanges add to the entertainment value that only a comedian can have. Akiko Wada is still active at over 70 years old, and we hope she will continue to maintain her character without any changes.