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.”

While the regulars, including host Ryuta Mine (72), and performers such as Tetsurou Degawa (60), Kunikazu Katsumata (59), and Cunning Takeyama (53), may not be significantly impacted in their careers without Wada’s support, a television writer points out, “Wada’s absence is substantial.”

“They have all thrived as the central figures in the show, playing roles in energizing and supporting it. If ‘Omakase’ ends, their career directions could change significantly. Opportunities to share anecdotes about Wada will also decrease, so the impact will likely emerge gradually.”

Is it impossible to leave early?

The “Akko Family” consists of a wide range of talents, including newcomers and veterans, idols, comedians, and former athletes, transcending the boundaries of talent agencies. It has been noted that they have played a role as a lubricant within the entertainment industry, as a production company producing ads.

“It seems that due to changing times, opportunities for talents to interact with each other provided by the program have significantly decreased. More shows are skipping after-parties. That’s why the ‘Akko Family’ is such a valuable setting. Since Akko is a prominent figure, she is also strict about etiquette. Not only the talents but the staff have been educated significantly. It’s a shame that such precious opportunities are decreasing.”

There is also another group of “Akko Family” members who are terrified of the news of “Omakase” ending from a different angle.

“With both ‘God Afternoon Akko’s Inconsistent 1000 Times’ on Saturdays (Nippon Broadcasting) and ‘Omakase’ on Sundays, having two live regular shows on the weekend prevented the holding of hellish drinking parties. Members of the family fear this might change. The dynamic nature of Akko’s wild antics during drinking parties has been revealed by comedians on variety shows. Furthermore, she is quite needy, so she tends to linger. For junior members, it is impossible to say, ‘I have to get up early tomorrow’ and leave. The frequency and duration of drinking parties might increase… and many members are trembling at the thought,” said a previously mentioned director.

During a regular press conference on September 25, TBS Executive Vice President Takunobu Goda addressed the “Omakase” ending report, stating, “It is not true at all. I want to emphasize that strongly.”

Members of the family, who had been living in uncertainty, must have breathed a sigh of relief.