Japanese comedian Masaki Sata criticizes fast food price hikes, sparking online debate

Masaki Sata, a Japanese comedian known for his pricey collections of vintage cars and figurines, recently voiced his frustration over inflation.
On November 10, Sata took to social media to share his shock at fast food prices. Recalling a recent trip to Kentucky Fried Chicken's drive-thru, he remarked, "When I heard the total, I thought, 'Has it always been this expensive? Did prices just skyrocket?'"

Sata also commented on convenience store rice ball prices. "Convenience store rice balls are pricey now, and everything I want for a quick bite is expensive," he lamented. "It's just so costly. Really costly," he emphasized, adding, "I'm not complaining, it just makes me think, 'Damn.'"
His comments struck a chord online, eliciting varied responses. Many agreed, with one user noting, "It's hard to swallow paying 1,200 JPY (about 8 USD) for a convenience store meal." Another chimed in, "With prices constantly rising, it's no wonder people are upset." Some even expressed surprise at the rising cost of home-cooked meals.

However, some critics argued that stagnant wages are a bigger issue than rising prices. One commenter pointed out, "While it's necessary for businesses to price products reasonably and turn a profit, the real problem is that wages aren't keeping up." Another called out Sata's apparent hypocrisy, given his well-known habit of splurging on expensive toys and vintage cars.

Masaki Sata, born in 1978 and now 48, rose to fame as half of the comedy duo Bad Boys, performing alongside Kiyotaka Omizo.
He gained notoriety by sharing his past as a street racer on TV and became a household name hosting "AKBINGO!", a variety show featuring the popular idol group AKB48.
Sata is renowned for his vintage car and motorcycle collection. In 2012, he dropped 2 million JPY (about 13,400 USD) on a 1976 Nissan Laurel, which he personally customized. Earlier this year, he revealed the purchase of his sixth motorcycle, a Honda CBR400F, for a similar price.
His passion extends to rare figurines as well. He once showcased a Gorenger figurine on TV, reportedly valued at 450,000 JPY (about 3,015 USD). Sata has even ventured into creating his own figurine character, Toromi-kun, and continues to release new products in this line.