"Gurunai New Year's Omoshiroso" is broadcast from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day. This program attracts attention every year as a stepping stone for young comedians, and its MC is Ninety-Nine's Yabe Hiroyuki. Known as a soccer fan, he favors Hublot, the official timekeeper of the World Cup. We take a closer look at Yabe's style as he and his wife, Aoki Yuko, adore Hublot.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 11, 2026]
Ninety-nine, the group that livens up the show, has matured in its 36th year
Many people likely welcomed the new year by watching the traditional New Year's Eve program "Gurunai New Year's Omoshiro-so." This program began in 2007, and since 2010 has become a regular New Year's special broadcast from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day. Set in a fictional apartment building called "Omoshiro-so," young comedians, who are set to be residents, show off their acts and compete to see who is the funniest.
Since 2012, a winner has been decided, and the show has taken on the aspect of a prize race. Many comedians have made their breakthroughs from this show, including Pekopa, Blouson Chiemi, and Hyokkorihan, making it a true gateway show for young comedians.
The MCs of this program are Ninety-Nine. Formed in 1990 by Okamura Takashi and Yabe Hiroyuki, the duo will celebrate their 36th year in the entertainment industry in 2026. The two met, surprisingly, through soccer. Yabe, a junior member of the soccer club, had aspired to become a professional soccer player at the time, but gave up halfway through. While he was struggling with his future career, his older brother enrolled in Yoshimoto Comprehensive Performing Arts Academy (NSC), which inspired him to pursue a career as a comedian.
So he invited Okamura, a year ahead of him who was a ronin student, to join him, and he accepted on the condition that he could get into university. Okamura successfully passed the entrance exam to Ritsumeikan University, and the two began their careers as comedians. While attending NSC, he won the "2-chome Amateur Tournament" and, as a prize for winning, won the right to perform on stage at the Shinsaibashisuji 2-chome Theater, run by Yoshimoto.
In 1994, he moved to Tokyo and began appearing regularly on various TV shows in the Kanto region. From 1995, he became a regular on "Morita Kazuyoshi Hour Waratte Iitomo!", "Meccha² Motetai!" and "ASAYAN", and in 1996, "Meccha² Iketeru!" began airing.
In 2013, Yabe married former TBS announcer Yuko Aoki. In addition to comedy, Yabe has also made use of his deep knowledge of soccer to appear on numerous soccer programs, including "Yabechi FC: Japan Soccer Support Declaration" (broadcast from 2002 to 2020). The successor program is streamed on DAZN.
Hublot chosen by a soccer fan, loved by a married couple
Hublot is a watch brand with a deep connection to soccer. As an official sponsor of the World Cup and the official timekeeper, the brand has built a strong relationship with the soccer world over the years. It is sometimes given as a gift to soccer players, so it is a brand that is often worn by players.
The watch chosen by soccer fan Yabe is also a Hublot. What's interesting is that his wife, Yuko Aoki, is also a Hublot lover. In fact, Yabe originally wore a Rolex as his main watch. However, he began to wear a Hublot after Aoki gave him a Hublot as a betrothal gift. It's truly heartwarming to see the couple both wearing Hublot.
Yabe spotted wearing Hublot on Hideyuki Nakayama's Instagram
In this image, Yabe is wearing the Hublot Aero Bang Steel Ceramic Ref. 311.SM.1170.GR. Based on the Big Bang design, this model features an openwork movement, allowing the movement to be viewed through the dial, making it one of Hublot's most popular models. It has a sporty yet mechanical feel, and the combination of ceramic and stainless steel creates a modern atmosphere. It is also highly practical as it is both lightweight and durable.
The Aero Bang was produced until around 2018, but is now out of production and difficult to find new. However, it remains one of Hublot's most popular models. The movement used is the Cal. HUB4214, which is also used in the Aero Bang and other models in the "King Power" series.
Hoping to see a photo of the couple together wearing Hublot watches
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Hublot has served as the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup since 2010, and will continue to carry that important responsibility for the 2026 tournament. Since Hublot also provides the official watch for the Japanese national soccer team, Yabe may be seen wearing his beloved Aero Bang when he appears as a guest on a World Cup-related program.
Hideyuki Nakayama, who was also seen on Instagram, is a Hublot fan, and there are many Hublot fans in the entertainment industry. However, it is surprisingly rare for a married couple to both be Hublot lovers. The wife gave the Yabe a Hublot as a betrothal gift, and that was the catalyst for the couple's love of Hublot. The Yabes' lifestyle, with its romantic story, is an ideal way to enjoy luxury watches, as they are not just a status symbol, but are also associated with precious memories in life.
Automatic movement (Cal. HUB4214). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 2,684,000 yen (tax included). *Currently out of stock.
Although the couple rarely appear together in public, their Instagram accounts give a glimpse of their happy family. We hope to see them wearing Hublot together on social media or on TV one day. We look forward to continuing to pay attention to Yabe's lifestyle, which is packed with his passion for soccer, his love for Hublot, and his deep love for his family.
