Akiko Wada’s new program starts at TBS even though “Omakase” has ended.

In the past, late-night programs were terminated after one year.

TBS Sunday “Akko ni Omakase! which had been the “face of TBS Sunday “noon time” program, ended its 40-year history on March 29, 2012.

The program started in 1985 with singer Akiko Wada (75), who now reigns as the “opinion leader of the entertainment world,” as the MC. The demise of this long-running program is a sign of the times, but Wada will start a new program, “Akko and Jumbo” (from 0:56 am), on the same station on April 7.

His “partner” will be Takao Jumbo (36) of the comedy duo Rainbow, and the two will stroll around Tokyo together in a “machi-bura” variety show that explores hidden places of interest.

Akko-san is a great contributor to TBS. We can’t just say good-bye just because ‘Omakase’ is ending. A late-night show is probably a “prize for distinguished service” as well.

Jumbo Takao is another Yoshimoto comedian whose popularity is soaring, and he was named as a member of the “Best Comedian Team of the Office” in the March 23 broadcast of Fuji Television’s “Nepu League SP. According to a person involved in the comedy industry

He looks good on the screen because of his large body. He is also an accomplished performer, appearing as an actor in a reenactment VTR. He must have thought that he would be more popular with Mr. Wada, who is a big name in the field.

He also pointed out that “Wada’s late-night show was not the only one that he was interested in.

On the other hand, Wada’s late-night programs have a “black history.

It was “Private Lesson: How to Make Akiko Wada Right,” which started in October 2006 on TBS in the late-night slot and was cancelled after only one year.

The program was based on the theme of Wada’s lifelong learning, with celebrities serving as lecturers to present “the world Wada doesn’t know. When the program first began airing, the title was as above, but it was changed to “Private Lesson II” in April 2007.

Relationship between TBS and HORIPRO

The reason for the cancellation was simply the ratings. Akko-san was excited to dress up as Ayanami Rei from “Evangelion” at the invitation of Shoko Nakagawa, who played the maid, but the numbers were not good. During the course of the show, the title was changed and the “Akiko Wada color” was diluted, but to no avail.

In fact, it is said that a certain amount of data has been obtained on how Akiko Wada is used in the TV industry, and with the exception of “Omakase,” which has continued for 40 years, “guest rather than regular” is the standard for Wada’s use.

When interviewed by this site, a producer at a key station said

Akko-san gets great numbers when she appears as a special guest in the first broadcast of a new program or in a special program. She is known in the industry as the ‘Akiko Wada of guests. He is also popular for being teased by people who surprise him. Viewers are more intrigued when she appears as a special guest than when she appears regularly on a set date and time. In other words, “Guest Akiko Wada” is the show’s winning move. That’s how strong her presence as a TV personality is.

He said.

Despite such data, the fact that a new regular program is to be launched on TBS may have a stronger sense of merit.

The 40 years (of omakase) is a tremendous number,” he said. I would like to continue to build a “win-win” relationship with Mr. Wada and his company, HORIPRO. It is a natural decision for a TV station.

Wada will turn 76 on April 10. With chronic illnesses and joint pain, it is a challenge for him to present a new program that focuses on city tours.

Even so, once the cameras start rolling, Wada is instantly transformed into the “entertainment world’s female overlord. Many people in the industry adore her, calling her “Akko-san! and it is likely that she will continue to make her mark in the TV industry.