ABEMA's Original Dating Reality Show 'Love Catcher Japan 3': Pharmacist Kichiro Sakamoto, Mr. Global 2021 Japan Representative, Says 'I'm Super Popular with Grandmas at the Pharmacy (Laugh)'

ABEMA, 'the new future of television,' will begin free broadcasting of 'Love Catcher Japan 3,' a new season of its original dating reality show, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9 PM. The show follows an ultimate psychological love game with a 10 million yen prize, centered on love and betrayal. Ahead of the premiere, we interviewed one of the 12 participants, pharmacist Kichiro Sakamoto, who was also selected as Mr. Global 2021 Japan representative. We dive into his most challenging life moment, past love tendencies, and reveal his full charm.

('Love Catcher Japan 3' page URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/90-1904_s3_p301)

Q.1 In this show, an ultimate psychological love game unfolds around a 10 million yen prize, drawing both studio MCs and viewers into a world of suspicion. Please introduce yourself to viewers, highlighting your personal appeal.

I work as a pharmacist and also run social media accounts.

My biggest appeal is being extremely popular with local women—especially grandmas who visit the pharmacy. I get hit on by them all the time (laugh).

Just recently, one grandma gave me 29 yen in change as a gift, another handed me a 2,000 yen QUO card, and one even seriously asked if she could 'take me as her son.'

As a pharmacist, when someone asks me seriously, I respond seriously. I always give my full attention.

In relationships, I’m good at reading people’s facial expressions and subtle changes in speech. My strength in 'Love Catcher' will be my ability to stay calm and analytical, just like a pharmacist. I’ll assess whether someone is a 'Love Catcher' or a 'Money Catcher' based on evidence. I hope viewers pay attention to that.

Q.2 Can you share an episode from your life—outside this show—where you faced your 'biggest challenge,' including the outcome?

It was when I competed in 'Mr. Japan' at age 28.

Until then, I worked at a pharmaceutical company and felt like an ordinary, unremarkable person. I wanted to change, so I set strict rules: six months of intense training, 10-kilometer daily runs, and no drinking parties. I pushed my body and mind to the limit. (During this time, muscles became my best friends—and my actual friends drastically decreased... laugh)

I ended up as first runner-up. But completing those six months gave me immense confidence. Ironically, being second place left me with regret, which still motivates me to keep active on social media today.

After building muscle, I clearly became more attractive. As a rebound from six months of restriction, I even hosted a 'Marriage-Seeking Muscular Party' with fellow fitness enthusiasts, drinking while snacking on chicken breast and protein.

Now, most of those members are married or in relationships, so the group has disbanded. Everyone’s busy with work now. It’s a great memory (laugh).

Q.3 When you fall in love, what kind of person or state do you become?

I become extremely transparent (laugh).

Normally, I’m pretty carefree, but when I truly fall for someone, I instantly become deeply devoted.

I want to give all my time and love to that person. I’m the type who thinks, 'I want to make this person happy' and 'I want to protect them.' But the more I like someone, the more emotions cloud my judgment—even on things I’d normally analyze calmly.

I guess during a relationship, my head is a calm pharmacist, but my heart is a love monster (laugh).

Q.4 What are the highlights of the show? Why should viewers tune in?

After watching this show, you’ll find it hard to trust people normally (laugh).

In regular dating, if you like someone, you just believe your feelings.

But in this show, you start questioning every word and action: 'Is this their true feeling?' 'Or is it for the 10 million yen?' The more you doubt, the harder it becomes to see real love.

Even I couldn’t sleep during filming, constantly wondering: 'Is this move a Money Catcher’s tactic or a Love Catcher’s sincerity?' (laugh) This show really reveals human nature, vulnerability, and determination when love and psychological warfare mix. I think I showed not just my cool side, but also very human, raw moments (laugh).

I hope viewers watch while asking themselves: 'Who would I trust?'

What is the new show 'Love Catcher Japan 3'?

'Love Catcher Japan 3' is a new season of ABEMA’s original dating reality show, launching free broadcasts. It follows a psychological love game with a 10 million yen prize, centered on love and betrayal. Will you be a 'Love Catcher' seeking true love, or a 'Money Catcher' chasing the fortune? Twelve men and women will live together at a resort in Okinawa, hiding their chosen identity. Who will ultimately win love—or money? Courage to trust and suspicion will clash, revealing the true nature of humanity. The 'Love Catcher Japan' series is a Japanese remake of 'Love Catcher,' originally produced and aired by Mnet, a music channel under CJ ENM, South Korea’s global IP powerhouse. Produced through a collaboration between ABEMA, known for numerous dating reality shows, and Yoshimoto Kogyo, a creator of hit entertainment content. Since Season 1 aired in December 2023, the unpredictable psychological drama has drawn widespread attention, and the long-awaited Season 3, 'Love Catcher Japan 3,' will now be broadcast for free. Studio MCs include Shintaro Moriyama and Riri from Misho-zu, Subaru Kimura, Maryjun Takahashi, and Naena no.

12 Star-Studded Participants Announced

Twelve attractive men and women have been selected to participate in this ultimate psychological love game, where human nature will be revealed in a world of suspicion. Female participants include gravure idol Ami Amane, nicknamed the 'Million Buzz Queen'; actress and variety star Sakurako Okubo; pani, a member of the globally popular dance group 'Avangarde'; gravure idol and 'BreakingDown' MMA reporter Miyu Kojima; creator Rinka Sakurai; and influencer Rei, who has over 840,000 social media followers. Male participants include pharmacist Kichiro Sakamoto, selected as Mr. Global 2021 Japan representative; rising actor Yasunari Imamura; beauty creator Daichi Takasuga; model and perfume producer Fumuya Yagi; actor Yuga Ando, a member of the YouTube group 'Oretachi wa Fikushon desu'; and Remon Yamakita, a model and actor selected as a 'Popular Handsome Man' by Model Press readers. These 12 charismatic individuals must choose: will they be a 'Love Catcher' seeking love, or a 'Money Catcher' chasing 10 million yen? Hiding their true identity, they’ll live together at an Okinawa resort. Who will ultimately win love—or a fortune? As trust and suspicion collide, the true nature of humanity will be laid bare. We invite you to witness the journey of this ultimate psychological love game.