Since the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach last week, players have been uncovering unexpected collaborations and Easter eggs, many of which draw from cultural phenomena. 
If you’ve already taken Dollman for a relaxing soak in the hotsprings with Sam, you may have stumbled upon a nostalgic tribute to Japanese comedy legends-a hidden gem that resonates deeply with players in Japan, though it might be a mystery to those outside of the country.
Transporting cargo across the vast Mexican and Australian landscapes in Death Stranding 2 is no easy task for Sam, everyone’s favorite porter. But tucked away in hidden corners of the world, just like in Ghost of Tsushima, are hotsprings-places that allow Sam to take a break, disrobe, and enjoy some well-deserved buffs. And if you thought it was funny when a bucket on Sam’s head lets him fast travel, the hotsprings have even more surprises to offer. If you take Dollman for a dip and ask him to sing, he transforms into Japanese comedian Cha Kato and starts belting out a catchy tune, with Sam dancing along in a hilariously awkward fashion.
This song and dance duo is a tribute to the long-running Japanese variety show 8ji da yo! Zennin shuugou! (It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone Gather Around), which aired from 1969 to 1985. Its familiar “Ba-ban-Ba-ban-ban-ban” theme song is instantly recognizable to most Japanese players, evoking a flood of nostalgia, especially among those of Kojima’s generation. The show was a cultural phenomenon in Japan, blending sketches and musical performances, often featuring guest appearances by popular singers. The Drifters comedy troupe, who hosted the show, became beloved icons for their slapstick humor and catchy tunes. For many, the theme song became synonymous with bedtime routines, encouraging kids to prepare for sleep. The song, titled “Ii yu da na” (It’s good hot water, isn’t it?), is all about the joy of soaking in hotsprings, and it was originally recorded in the mid-60s by Duke Aces and later covered by The Drifters for the show.
Hideo Kojima himself teased Cha Kato’s cameo in Death Stranding 2 on June 27, posting a photo of him with the comedian on social media with a simple emoji caption. The response from Japanese fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the tribute. Comments like “The Drifters are Japan’s treasure” flooded in, along with some hopeful requests to see more of The Drifters’ legendary sketches, including the famous Hige Dance, in future Kojima games. While some players feared that international audiences might miss the reference, it seems that this Easter egg has sparked renewed interest in Showa-era Japanese pop culture.
And there’s more! Kojima has a few more surprises hidden in the hotspring. If you gaze up at the night sky while soaking, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the stars-and if you zoom in, you might spot something truly unexpected. As Kojima hinted in a recent interview, “Look closely at the sky in the hotspring, and you might see something you don’t expect.” If you’re lucky, you might even spot Kojima himself among the constellations. It’s a delightful Easter egg, and certainly less spooky than the infamous ghost Kojima appeared as in MGS2.