After Omakase Ends Akiko Wada Launches New TBS Show as Networks Find New Ways to Utilize Her

In the past, a late-night program was canceled after just one year

“Akkoni Omakase!”, which had become a fixed Sunday lunchtime face on TBS, ended its 40-year history with its March 29 broadcast.

The program began in 1985, featuring singer Akiko Wada (75), who is now established as a leading voice in the entertainment industry. While the end of such a long-running program reflects the changing times, Wada will start a new program on TBS from April 7 titled “Akko to Jumbo” (airs from 12:56 a.m. in the late-night slot).

Her partner will be Jumbo Takao (36) from the comedy duo Rainbow. The two will walk around Tokyo and explore hidden local spots in a town-walking variety show.

“Akko is a valuable veteran for TBS. Just because ‘Omakase’ ended doesn’t mean it’s a goodbye and see you never. A late-night hosted program is also a form of recognition for her long service,” said a TBS insider.

Jumbo Takao is a rising comedian from Yoshimoto Kogyo. On March 23, he appeared as part of the “Agency Recommended Comedians Team” on Fuji TV’s “Nep League SP.”

According to an entertainment industry source:

“Because of his large build, he stands out on screen. He also appears in reenactment segments as an actor, so he is quite versatile. It is likely that pairing him with a big name like Wada was meant to give him more prestige.”

On the other hand, Wada has a black history with late-night programs.

In October 2006, a TBS late-night show titled “Private Lessons: How to Properly Make Akiko Wada” began broadcasting, but it was canceled after just one year.

The program focused on Wada’s lifelong learning, with various celebrities acting as lecturers to present worlds Wada did not know. At launch, it had the title mentioned above, but from April 2007 it was renamed “Private Lessons II.”

TBS and Horipro Relationship

“The reason it was canceled is simply ratings. Akko-san was motivated enough to do things like wearing an Evangelion Rei Ayanami cosplay at the invitation of Nakagawa Shoko, who played a maid role, but the numbers did not improve. They even changed the title midway in an attempt to dilute Wada Akiko’s presence, but it didn’t work,” said a television industry insider.

In fact, in the TV industry, there is said to be a certain amount of data regarding “how to use Akiko Wada.” Except for the 40-year run of “Omakase,” the standard approach for Wada is said to be guest appearances rather than regular roles.

In response to an interview with this site, a key network producer said:

“Akko-san tends to generate strong ratings when she appears as a special guest on the first episode of a new program or on special broadcasts. In the industry, she is known as ‘Akiko Wada as a guest.’ She is also popular when she is teased or involved in surprise prank segments. Rather than appearing as a regular on a fixed schedule, she attracts more viewer interest as a special guest. In other words, ‘Guest Akiko Wada’ can be considered a trump card for a program. That shows just how strong her presence is as a talent.”

Despite such data, the fact that a new regular program is starting on TBS likely has more of a reward for long service meaning.

“Forty years (of ‘Omakase’) is an extraordinary achievement. We want to continue a win-win relationship with Wada-san and her agency Horipro. From a broadcaster’s perspective, it is a natural decision,” said the same producer.

Wada will also turn 76 on April 10. Despite being physically worn down with chronic illness and joint pain, the new program centered on town-walking is quite a challenging endeavor.

Even so, once the cameras start rolling, Wada instantly transforms into the female boss of the entertainment world. In the industry, many people respect her as “Akko-san,” and she is expected to continue making her presence felt in television for years to come.