Relief for the Akko Family as TBS Refutes Akko ni Omakase! End Reports

The report about the end of “Akko ni Omakase!” (TBS network) emerged in early September.

It was triggered by a controversial comment made about Haruka Kitaguchi (26), the javelin gold medalist from the Paris Olympics, where she was described as looking like a sea lion. According to Josei Jishin’s web version, adjustments are being made between Wada’s agency, Horipro, and TBS to end the show by the end of March next year.”

Talents Suffer Major Blow

Every time Wada has sparked a controversy, there have been whispers of the show being canceled. Considering her age of 74, a key network director commented, “It’s indeed tough for her, both physically and compliance-wise, to continue with live broadcasts. In many ways, her limits are probably being reached. It might be time to move on.”

Due to its long history of serving as “TBS’s face on Sunday afternoons” for 40 years, various television professionals received the news of its end with mixed feelings, saying things like, “One era has come to an end,” and “Maybe it could just be pre-recorded.” However, there are those who received this news with fear. “They are what you would call the Akko Family,” says a senior executive from the entertainment industry.

“The Akko Family refers to the talents that Wada-san has taken under her wing. They hold regular drinking parties. It’s said that if you’re favored, you can get television jobs through Wada-san’s connections. Losing one of the major platforms, ‘Omakase,’ is a significant blow. Especially for the talents from Horipro, to which Wada-san belongs, it will be a major setback. Many have been employed as regulars or historical assistants on the show.”