On March 25, Nippon TV will air the special program “Neko ni Naritai,” and for B&ZAI member Rinne Sugeta, the theme feels almost perfectly matched to his personality.
The show asks a playful question: what if humans tried to move and compete like cats?
For Rinne—known among fans for his energy, quick reflexes, and his well-known love of cats—it becomes a stage where his natural instincts and humor can shine.
His connection to cats has appeared on television and in the media before. A proud owner of multiple feline companions (with reports varying from five to eight over the years, and with a maximum of 40 at one time as his parents were cat breeders), Rinne has frequently shared anecdotes about his pets in interviews and blogs, even naming one “O Mame Daifuku Shunin Hosa” (roughly “Big Bean Daifuku Assistant Manager“). In the previous site, ISLAND TV, he also did an introduction series about his cats.
In 2021, he featured on the TBS program “Yoru no Brunch” in a segment where he acted as a “teacher” explaining why cats are so lovable and how to love cats from the bottom of your heart. Filmed at Cat Cafe MoCHA in Akihabara, the appearance showed Rinne enthusiastically introducing his own cats (including Ushishan, Black Sesame Davidson, and Mitarashi Dango) and sharing small stories about their personalities. Viewers saw not just an idol, but someone who genuinely understands and enjoys life with cats. His love for cats knows no bounds, despite being allergic!
If you have the chance to visit the cafe, it’s highly recommended! The atmosphere is really relaxing, and being surrounded by cats is just the biggest bonus ever!
“Neko ni Naritai” turns that idea into a sports-style variety challenge. Contestants who say they want to “become cats” take part in games based on real feline abilities. Speed, balance, jumping power, and quick reactions are all tested as participants compete for the title of MVC, or “Most Valuable Cat.” The show mixes athletic competition with comedy, creating a setting where both serious skill and playful moments can stand side by side.
The second broadcast gathers a wide range of challengers. Among them are Olympic wrestling gold medalist Kenichiro Fumita, former Japanese decathlon champion So Takei, pro wrestler Natsupoi, comedian Obata no Oniisan, Riko Iwamoto from Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, and Aloha Takamatsu from Bullet Train. But for many, the attention will naturally turn to Rinne. Known for his amazing acrobatics and outstanding physical ability, he is the kind of performer who really feels at home in physically demanding variety shows. His recurring appearance at SASUKE is something to look forward to every year, too.
The competitors face several “cat-inspired” events. In the Hyper Cat Gun Door challenge, a narrow door opens for only five seconds, and contestants must sprint through before it closes. In the Real-Scale High Jump, they attempt leaps modeled after the surprising jumping ability of real cats. Another event, the Cat Punch Road, requires contestants to balance on a rope suspended two meters above the ground while knocking hanging fish down with quick “cat punches.”
During the Hyper Cat Gun Door event, Rinne shows impressive speed—something that fits well with his background in acrobatic performance. His quick movement turns the moment into one of the highlights of the competition.
In the end, the goal is simple: prove who can move the most like a cat. Only one participant will be named MVC. Whether Rinne can run, jump, and react his way to that title will be revealed during the broadcast. Either way, the program offers another chance for viewers to see the athletic side of his personality paired with his love for cats!
Rinne’s appearance on “Neko ni Naritai” is not the only variety challenge he takes on this month. He also appears as a contestant on the program “Papa Vegas,” broadcast on the Chukyo TV and Nippon TV network on March 18. The show features a unique “family casino” format, where entertainers compete against ordinary fathers who have spent an entire month training for a single challenge. While the fathers prepare for weeks, the celebrity challengers are given only one day to practice before the competition.
In “Papa Vegas,” the fathers’ families must decide who to bet on. If they bet on the father and win, they receive a larger prize. If they bet on the celebrity and win, the prize is smaller. If they guess wrong, they receive nothing. The result is a tense but heartfelt program where determination, family support, and entertainment come together. Sugeta enters the competition as one of the celebrity challengers, once again relying on quick learning and physical ability.
Together, these appearances highlight an important side of Rinne’s career. Beyond music and stage performances with B&ZAI, he continues to build a presence on variety television where personality, athletic ability, and quick thinking all matter. Programs like these allow viewers to see both his competitive side and the humor that fans already know well.
“Neko ni Naritai” airs on Nippon TV on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 23:59 to 24:54.
More Rinne on Dumpling Box
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.