“That Network Is Different” Akiko Wada’s Next Move Sparks Speculation

A walking variety show starting in April

TBS has announced that Akiko Wada will appear regularly from April on the Tuesday late-night TBS variety program Akko to Jumbo. Teaming up with Jumbo Takao (36) of the comedy duo Rainbow, Wada will stroll through Tokyo searching for hidden famous shops in a street-walking variety format.

Speaking of Wada, the program she hosts, Akko ni Omakase!, will finally air its last episode next week on March 29.

On March 7, when Wada appeared on the radio program God Afternoon Akko no Iikagen ni 1000 Kai (Nippon Broadcasting), she revealed her feelings, saying:

“I’m most worried about Sundays—what am I going to do?”

She expressed anxiety about how to spend Sundays after Akko ni Omakase! ends in April.

“For 40 years, I’ve been waking up at 6 a.m. every Sunday, and at 7 a.m. on Saturdays (for God Afternoon). Weekends have been like that for 40 years. I don’t drink on Fridays (because of the weekend shows), and now all of that is going to change.”

Having spent what could be called half her life hosting live weekend programs, it’s only natural she has mixed feelings. Regarding Wada’s demeanor since the show’s end was decided, a program insider said:

“Nothing has particularly changed. She’s the same as always. If anything, she’s become a bit kinder toward the staff. Ms. Akko has always been considerate toward staff and never speaks harshly, but she’s become even gentler. Recently, she often says thank you and mentions being full of gratitude.

I think she has accepted the current situation and come to terms with it. She will turn 75 in April. Her talk doesn’t have the same sharpness as before, and there are times when it’s hard to catch what she’s saying or her words falter. In that sense, it may indeed be time to step away from live broadcasts. But as the end approaches, many people say, ‘It’s still sad after all.’”

Feelings of apology as well

With “Akko ni Omakase!” coming to an end, it seemed that Akiko Wada’s only remaining regular program would be “God Afternoon Akko no Iikagen ni 1000 Kai”, raising concerns that opportunities to see her might disappear. However, during the March 14 broadcast of God God Afternoon, Wada hinted:

“I haven’t been able to talk about various jobs lately.”

While she cannot make any announcements at this stage, her comment suggested that she already has other programs lined up after “Akko ni Omakase!” ends.

According to a TBS insider, there will be more than just “Akko to Jumbo” starting in April.

“It seems that “Akko ni Omakase!” is also set to return as special programs. Something like “All-Star Thanksgiving Festival.” ‘All-Star’ airs twice a year during the spring and autumn programming changes, but Akko ni Omakase! might air one or two more times than that. The program didn’t end because Ms. Wada fell ill or chose to step down—it was due to the network’s policy, so there are also feelings of apology.

There aren’t many live programs that have continued for 40 years. In fact, even now, some employees question how easily it was ended. Although the ratings declined, there was a time when it was a highly popular show. Considering Ms. Wada’s contributions compared to other programs, it’s not something where you can just say, ‘Okay, goodbye.’”

It almost sounds like a jab at some network that cuts off its talent without explanation, disregarding their contributions…

Although not live broadcasts, TBS has effectively welcomed Wada back as a legend of its variety programming. When asked about the possibility of “Akko ni Omakase!” airing as special programs within the year, TBS did not provide a response by the deadline.

It seems the close relationship between Wada and TBS will continue for a while longer.