Fuji TV Begins Strategically Promoting Snow Man Members Meguro Ren, Mukai Koji, Raoul and Watanabe Shota

“Oricon First Half-Year Rankings 2024” were announced on June 24, with “Snow Man” taking first place in four categories: “Single,” “DVD,” “Blu-ray Disc,” and “Music DVD/BD.” Their double A-side single “LOVE TRIGGER/We’ll go together,” released on February 14, sold 1.258 million copies, the only million-seller during the period. This marks their third consecutive first place in the first half-year singles ranking, a historic achievement as the first for a male artist.

“Amidst the sexual misconduct issues at former Johnny’s agency (SMILE-UP.), many affiliated talents suffered damage, but ‘Snow Man’ emerged unscathed. They are now the only group from the former Johnny’s agency with a prime-time slot (7-11 PM) on a key network, hosting their own show ‘Sore Snow Man ni Yarasete Kudasai’ (hereafter ‘Sore Suno,’ TBS). With Arashi on hiatus, they have become the agency’s flagship group.” (Broadcast correspondent)

Recently, Fuji TV has stood out not only for hosting their own flagship programs but also for the versatility of their members. On July 1st, Meguro Ren (27) began starring in the Monday 9 PM drama “Umi no Hajimari” While the first episode didn’t reach double-digit ratings, it achieved a notable 8.0% (according to Video Research, Kanto region), surpassing the previous four dramas in the same time slot. Despite recent average household ratings, which have been lackluster for the Monday 9 PM slot, expectations are high for future growth.

Additionally, Mukai Koji (30) will appear in the drama “Mountain Doctor,” starting on the 8th of the month on Kansai TV and Fuji TV networks. Furthermore, he will portray the character Massaman, born from the variety program “Geinin ga Honki de Kangaeta! Dokkiri GP,” as the main character of Fuji TV’s annual large-scale event “Odaiba Boken-Oh 2024” (from July 20th to August 25th).

Furthermore, Raoul (21), who recently announced a contract with the Paris-based modeling agency “Bananas Models,” will serve as a supporter for the “Dance Competition” segment within the large-scale special program “FNS 27-Hour TV 2024” (broadcast on July 20th to 21st). Alongside this role, he will also be the “Entertainment Presenter” for the morning information program “Mezamashi TV” in July. Additionally, Fukasawa Tatsuya (32) preceded these three by co-starring with Tunnels’ Noritake Kinashi (62) and Nao (29) in the January drama “Haru ni Nattara,” aired on Kansai TV and Fuji TV networks.

Meanwhile, Watanabe Shota (31) took on his first MC challenge alongside talent Kohji Higashino (56) in the one-off program “Kono Sekai wa 1 Dafuru,” which aired on May 3rd

“It has been reported that the program 1-Daffle, featuring Watanabe, has been selected as the successor to ‘Odo Odo x Hara Hara,’ which will end this fall, raising the possibility of Watanabe taking on the MC role.

Last fall, when Johnny’s office was facing significant backlash due to Johnny’s issues, Fuji TV refrained from casting talents affiliated with the former Johnny’s office in new regular programs. However, not only have they lifted this restriction, but they have also chosen members of ‘Snow Man’ as the faces of the network’s major summer event and special programs. Other entertainment agencies, hoping to fill the slots left vacant by the absence of former Johnny’s talents, were left astounded by this sudden change of heart.” (The same source)

With Fuji TV favoring “Snow Man” to such an extent, one might wonder if there is something more behind it. However, it seems there is indeed a significant reason for this preference.

“TBS’s ‘Sore Snow’ moved from its Sunday afternoon slot to a prime time slot on Friday, but the show has focused primarily on dance projects, likely to accommodate the members’ busy schedules. This has been quite unpopular with fans, with regular episodes struggling in the 5% range and even the two-hour special aired on the 28th only managing a 7.3% rating, which is low for a special.

However, if we were to produce a flagship program, we would aim for a variety show that highlights each member’s individuality, similar to SMAP’s ‘SMAP×SMAP,’ and we have the expertise to do so. TBS has left room for improvement, which is why we have been giving them so much attention.” (Fuji TV Variety Department Staff)

At this point, it might still be a one-sided affection, but will Fuji TV’s intentions bear fruit?

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