Kanna Hashimoto: Millionaire! – Japan’s First in 13 Years

TOKYO, January 1, 2026 – Japanese actress Kanna hashimoto, 26, started the new year with a remarkable win, taking home 10 million yen-approximately US$63,620-on the newly revived Japanese version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Hashimoto became the first contestant on the show’s return after a 13-year hiatus.

The revival of the iconic game show premiered on January 1, 2026, marking its return to Japanese television after 13 years. Hashimoto, known for her role in the film Kingdom, successfully answered 12 progressively challenging questions, demonstrating both knowledge and composure under pressure.The show is hosted by Kazunari Ninomiya, a popular member of the Japanese idol group Arashi.

Did you know?–Who Wants to be a Millionaire? originated in the United Kingdom in 1998 and has been adapted in over 120 countries, becoming a global television phenomenon.

A Floral Kimono and a Million-Yen Question

The “Kingdom” star answered a series of increasingly tough questions to reach the final round of the popular game show.

Dressed in a striking red floral kimono, Hashimoto skillfully navigated the questions, ultimately facing the 12th and final challenge: “Which prefecture had the largest population until Tokyo took the top spot in 1897?” Her options were Niigata, Aichi, Hiroshima, and Kumamoto.

What prefecture held the largest population in Japan before Tokyo in 1897? The correct answer, revealed on the show, was Niigata.

When faced with the daunting final question, Hashimoto wisely utilized her “Phone A Friend” lifeline, consulting with fellow actors Ryohei Otani and Xu Fengfan.After deliberation, she confidently locked in her answer: Niigata.

Host Kazunari Ninomiya, a member of the celebrated Japanese idol group Arashi, presented Hashimoto with a sealed check. As she turned it over, a wave of visible shock and delight washed over her face as she realized she had correctly answered the million-yen question.

Pro tip-Lifelines are crucial for success on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Strategically using “Phone a Friend,” “50:50,” and “Ask the Audience” can considerably increase your chances of winning.

• The revived Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? premiered in Japan on January 1, 2026.
• Kanna Hashimoto was the first contestant and the first winner.
• Hashimoto won 10 million yen (US$63,620) by correctly answering a question about Japanese prefectural populations.
• She used the “Phone A friend” lifeline to secure her victory.

Hashimoto’s win marks a significant moment for the show’s revival, generating excitement among viewers and setting a high bar for future contestants. The program aims to recapture the popularity it enjoyed during its initial run, offering a blend of trivia, suspense, and entertainment.

Reader question-What historical or cultural knowledge do you think is most helpful for succeeding on a game show like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Share your thoughts!

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