The Last Heisei Era 500 Million Yen Jumbo Lottery Supporting the Rugby World Cup with a "Try"

With the imperial era change in May, the "Dream Jumbo" and "Dream Jumbo Mini" lottery tickets—the last Jumbo Lottery of the Heisei era—went on sale nationwide simultaneously on April 1st.

The Jumbo offers an attractive top prize of 300 million yen, plus 100 million yen each for the prizes immediately before and after the top prize, totaling 500 million yen. The Mini offers a top prize of 30 million yen, plus 10 million yen each for the prizes immediately before and after the top prize, totaling 50 million yen. However, the Mini has more winning tickets: 30 top prizes and 60 prizes each for the immediately preceding and following prizes.
Both Jumbo lotteries are sponsorship lotteries for the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan Tournament, the first time the event will be held in Asia this September. A portion of the proceeds will be used to support the tournament.

On the same day, a commemorative event was held at the Nishi-Ginza Chance Center in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, where many lottery fans lined up for the launch. Attendees included Shofukutei Tsurube, who appears in the new TV commercial, and members of the comedy duo "Wagyu," Shinji Mizuta and Kenshiro Kawanishi. The tournament's official mascot, "Rangy," also made an appearance.

Regarding his role in the commercial, Tsurube expressed his delight at being chosen as the character, saying, "I've always wanted to try a role like this. I never thought I could do it, so I'm really happy."
The "Backstage Lottery" edition, airing from March 26th, features Tsurube and actor Takeru Sato. The highlight is the unique banter between Tsurube, a man hooked on lottery tickets, and Sato.

When Mizuta mentioned not buying lottery tickets for about five years, saying, "If I won, I'd worry my manzai comedy wouldn't deliver results anymore...", Tsurube joked, referencing Wagyu's three consecutive runner-up finishes in the M-1 Grand Prix, "You've been second place all along, and you're getting results."
Kawanishi, who played rugby from middle school through university, said, "Back in my day, it had a minor image, but I'm happy to see a world championship being held in Japan like this." He fondly recalled being teased by the girls during training for the basic stance, which involves sticking your butt out.

In keeping with the rugby theme, when asked about "something they want to try in the final year of the Heisei era," Tsurube-san said he wanted to "run 4 kilometers a day" for his health. Kawanishi aimed to "break my personal record for most stage appearances in a day," surpassing his previous high of 11. Mizuta planned "fasting & decluttering during a long holiday" for refreshment, dieting, and organizing her excessive tableware. Representing the trio, Tsurube scored a "try" on the 500 million yen mountain using a rugby ball.

When asked how they would spend 500 million yen if they won the "Dream Jumbo Lottery," Tsurube commented, "I want to build a rakugo theater." Kawanishi shared a more practical dream: "I'd like to live in a Tokyo tower mansion, even if just for a short time." Mizuta revealed his obsession with winning contests: "I want to host a manzai comedy contest. Since I'd be the organizer, I'd make sure the judges could only press the 'Wagyu' button, so even if they pressed the wrong one, I'd win."
The "Dream Jumbo Lottery" and "Dream Jumbo Mini" are on sale until April 26. The drawing will be held on May 10 at the Takarazuka Grand Theater in Hyogo Prefecture.

Official website:
https://www.takarakuji-official.jp/special/dream2019/