Japanese Comedian Takashi Watanabe Confesses Racking an $8000 Bill for Champagne

During a recent television appearance, Japanese comedian Takashi Watanabe (45) disclosed that an ex-girlfriend had previously provided him with financial support. He further admitted to indulging in expensive champagne exceeding $8,500 at nightclubs after achieving success in his comedy career.

On March 20, Watanabe appeared on the Japanese Fuji TV entertainment show “Pokapoka” and admitted that he had once received a receipt for approximately $11,900. He admitted to losing track of his finances while taking a career hiatus.

Watanabe offered a candid look at his financial past during his guest appearance. He acknowledged a period of hardship, relying on a girlfriend’s support for a mere $3.40 a day. Considering his current success, Watanabe confessed to losing track of champagne purchases and overspending at a Ginza club. “Fulfilling my dream of visiting Ginza,” he admitted, “I went to a club and ended up with an $11,900 bill after a champagne binge.”

Masaki Hasegawa, active in the comedy duo Nishikigoi with Watanabe Takashi, agreed with his words. Hasegawa said, “When I didn’t have money, I used to choose bread worth 100 yen (about 800 won or $0.68) at the bakery. Now, I buy bread without looking at the price,” expressing that he too has lost his sense of money.

Watanabe’s comments were in agreement with those of his Nishikigoi partner, Masaki Hasegawa. Hasegawa echoed Watanabe’s sentiments, reflecting on his own past financial limitations. “During difficult times,” Hasegawa said, “I would carefully select the most affordable bread at the bakery, costing around $0.68. However, I tend to purchase bread these days without even considering the price tag.”

Previously, comedy duo Nishikigoi boasted about their monthly income of about $75,000 on a TV show. The duo humbly said, “Even if it’s $75,000, it’s not much when divided by 12 months.”

Nishikigoi was formed in 2012 with Takashi Watanabe and Hasegawa Masaki. Since then, they have received a lot of love from fans and appeared on various TV shows.