Overview
| Summary | “Iitomo!” is a cheerful, affirmative phrase that means “Sure!” or “Of course!” in Japanese, and it became iconic thanks to the long-running daytime variety show Waratte Iitomo! hosted by Tamori (Kazuyoshi Morita). At the end of each episode, Tamori would call out “Iitomo!” and the live studio audience would enthusiastically echo the phrase in unison. Over the years, it became a cultural ritual — instantly recognizable and widely repeated even outside the show. |
| Japanese Writing | いいともー！ |
| Genre | Variety Show Catchphrase / Audience Call-and-Response / TV Icon |
| Typical Age Group | All ages (especially 20–60) |
| Audience | Fans of Japanese variety shows, nostalgic TV culture, and classic catchphrases that shaped pop culture from the 1980s to 2010s. |
| Popularity | ★★★★★ |
| Relevance | ★★★☆☆ Although Waratte Iitomo! ended in 2014 after 32 years on air, “Iitomo!” remains a beloved and nostalgic phrase in Japan. It’s often used playfully or ironically in modern contexts, especially among older millennials and Gen Xers who grew up with the show. |
| Usability | ★★★★★ |
| When to Use | Use it as a fun, exaggerated way to say “Sure!” — particularly when someone invites you to do something or suggests an idea. It’s great for team settings or group chats when you want to bring a smile. |
| How to Use | Raise your hand in the air, smile confidently, and shout: “Iitomo!” This is traditionally used as an enthusiastic group response to the host Tamori’s famous question at the end of Waratte Iitomo!: “Ashita mo mite kureru kana?” (“Will you watch again tomorrow?”) → “Iitomo!” (“Of course!”) |
| Cultural Note | The show Waratte Iitomo! was centered around friendship, positivity, and casual talk with celebrity guests. Tamori’s iconic delivery of “Iitomo!” at the end of each episode became a national ritual, and even now, the word triggers warm memories of weekday afternoons and Japanese pop culture history. |
Original performance
You can hear a similar phrase at about 00:32 in this YouTube video.