Two-time Olympic table tennis medalist Ai Fukuhara is stepping into a new role on the variety television circuit, appearing as a guest on the Japanese program Pindoseki Shokudo (Table Sharing Diner). The 37-year-old athlete, who will turn 38 on November 1, was featured in the episode that aired on October 13, marking a departure from her traditional sports-focused appearances.
Fukuhara’s appearance on Pindoseki Shokudo
The official X account for ABC Television announced Fukuhara’s participation in the series, which documents high-profile athletes as they travel to various locations across Japan to share meals with locals. During the episode, Fukuhara visited Yamagata Prefecture, a region known for its Zao mountain range. The production highlighted her willingness to participate in physical comedy, including a scene where she was filmed lying in a muddy puddle.
Transition from professional table tennis
Fukuhara, once famously known as “Crybaby Ai” during her youth table tennis career, has increasingly moved toward entertainment and media projects. Her appearance on Pindoseki Shokudo follows a series of public life updates. In December 2023, she announced her remarriage to a younger partner, and in April 2024, she confirmed the birth of their child. During a June 2024 appearance on the Kansai Television talk show Oka-Haku, Fukuhara discussed her personal life, noting that her partner’s willingness to listen served as a key factor in their relationship. She also previously revealed that she attended a professional nail technician school during her pregnancy.
Broader cast and show format
The episode featuring Fukuhara was part of a broader broadcast schedule for the program, which also featured Olympic gold medalist judoka Christa Deguchi visiting Asamushi in Aomori Prefecture. The show, hosted by the comedy duo Chidori, focuses on professional athletes stepping outside of their competitive environments. The hosts reacted with surprise during the program’s VTR segment as they observed Fukuhara engaging in the show’s comedic challenges.
Next scheduled appearances
Pindoseki Shokudo is broadcast weekly on Tuesdays at 11:10 p.m. JST.
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