Snow Man's Hikaru Iwamoto Sparks Social Media Trend by Calling His Radio Listeners "Tonttu"

A radio show hosted by Hikaru Iwamoto, the leader of the popular male idol group Snow Man, has sparked a major buzz online, sending the word “Tonttu” trending across social media platforms.

The trend originated from an episode of his FM NACK5 radio program, Seibu Railway presents Iwamoto Hikaru no Loyly Shitemo Ii desu ka? (May I Pour the Loyly?). Renowned in the Japanese entertainment industry as a passionate sauna connoisseur, Iwamoto coined the endearing nickname “Hikaru’s Tonttu” for his listeners. Explaining his affectionate reasoning, he shared that “everyone tuning in is like a little fairy to me, and I want to cherish them.”

In Nordic folklore, particularly in Finland, a “Tonttu” is a mythical, elf-like creature traditionally revered as the protective guardian spirit of the sauna, watching over its safety and cleanliness. The unique and heartfelt moniker was a natural reflection of Iwamoto's deep knowledge and love of sauna culture.

Following the broadcast, thrilled fans flooded social media with reactions such as, “Starting today, I am a Tonttu,” “It sounds way too cute,” and “I’m so touched by his reason of wanting to cherish us.” The delightful contrast between Iwamoto’s famously chiselled, athletic physique and stoic image versus his surprisingly sweet naming sense captured hearts, driving a surge in online discussions despite the early morning timeslot.

The context

Snow Man is one of Japan’s leading top-charting boy bands managed by STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates). As the group's leader, Hikaru Iwamoto is widely celebrated for his exceptional dancing, choreography, and impressive physical fitness, having repeatedly competed on the grueling obstacle-course TV show SASUKE (internationally known as Ninja Warrior).

In recent years, sauna culture has experienced an enormous lifestyle boom in Japan, often termed “sauna-katsu” (sauna activities) or pursuing the blissful state of deep relaxation called “totonou.” Iwamoto is well regarded as a certified sauna master who frequently shares his passion with fans. His radio show title references “loyly” (löyly), the Finnish term for the burst of hot, aromatic steam created by pouring water over heated sauna stones.

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