 In the ’80s, when television was at its peak, a string of “monster” shows with viewership ratings exceeding 50% emerged one after another. Six former producers and broadcast writers selected the top 10 legendary variety shows that are still talked about today and look back on their appeal and innovation.

The 1980s TV Shows That Dominated Japan With 50%+ Ratings—Six Insiders Reveal What Happened Behind the Scenes

 The craftsmanship honed by The Drifters reached a turning point with the rise of new shows like *Hyokin-zoku*, which relied on improvisation. Meanwhile, new hit shows such as *Waratte Iitomo!* also emerged. We look back on the frenzy of television’s golden age in the 1980s.

The Drifters, Hyoukinzoku and Iitomo!—The Behind-the-Scenes Stories That Defined Japan’s TV Golden Age

 Kumatarō Arai (Photos 1–3), Kenji Sugawara (Photos 4 and 5)

 Non is appearing in a Fuji TV series for the first time in 14 years! In mid-June, filming for the drama *Tokyo Middle 30* was taking place in Tokyo, and Non was tackling a scene where she had to run at full speed.

Non Is Back on Fuji TV After 14 Years—Inside Her High-Energy Role as a 35-Year-Old With No Plan

 Kumatarō Arai

 There’s still no end in sight for the controversy surrounding Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto. FRIDAY captured footage at the filming location in May, but during breaks in shooting, the two never spoke to each other. Were their co-stars even aware of this controversy...?

What Really Happened on Set? The Unusual Atmosphere Surrounding Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto’s Drama

 Influencer Reika Miyazaki, who was found guilty of violating the Corporation Tax Act by evading approximately 157 million yen in taxes, was sentenced on July 15 by the Tokyo District Court to two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years, and a fine of 40 million yen.Behind the scenes, her husband, former EXILE member Keiji Kuroki…

Keiji Kuroki’s Celebrity Empire Takes a Hit as Wife Reika Miyazaki Faces Tax Evasion Charges

 Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1962. He is part of the comedy duo “Honjama-ka” with Toshiaki Megumi. In addition to appearing on variety shows such as “Ganso! Debuya” (TV TOKYO network), he is also active as an actor and voice actor. Currently, he appears as the Friday host on “Yojigoji Days” (TV TOKYO network) and is also focusing his efforts on YouTube and Instagram.

 Hidehiko Ishizuka

 "Honjama-ka" Hidehiko Ishizuka’s “Maiu~” Days Vol. 54

 “Honjama-ka” Hidehiko Ishizuka’s “Maiu~” Days, Vol. 54. This time, we’ll talk about Ishizuka and the “Raku Raku Phone (Raku Raku Smartphone).” What was it about the “Raku Raku” phone that left Ishizuka—a longtime feature phone user—so impressed…?

Finally Saying Goodbye to the Feature Phone! The “Rakuraku Phone” That Was So Convenient It Shocked Hidehiko Ishizuka of “Honjama-ka”

 Yuya Kawasaki (Miyane)

 “Miyaneya,” which has long been a staple of afternoon news programming, will come to an end at the end of September. Amid a fierce battle for ratings, the female network announcer set to take over as host—replacing Seiji Miyane, who was the “face” of the show—is…


Who Is Chiaki Kuroki? Jiro Shinbo Speaks Out on the Rising Announcer Tapped to Succeed Miyaneya

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 On July 13, a new product launch event for a beauty brand was held in Tokyo, where Mizuki Yamamoto, who had just been appointed as the brand’s ambassador, took the stage. She showcased her “beautiful skin” and “natural, stunning legs,” which shone even brighter than her pure white dress, captivating the audience.

Mizuki Yamamoto Turns Heads as a Beauty Device Ambassador With Luminous Skin and Stunning Bare Legs

 Afro (Sato), Kumatarō Arai (Hashimoto)

 The harassment allegations between Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto remain unresolved. The controversy has now spread to an unexpected place.

Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto Controversy Takes an Unexpected Turn: Travis Japan’s Kaito Nakamura Caught in the Fallout

 Akinori Nakagawa

 Takehiko Kohiyama

 Miwako Toyama (THYMON Inc.)

 Special Interview: In His 61st Year in Show Business… The hit drama series *Aibou*, in which he stars, Celebrates Its 26th Anniversary, and His First Co-Starring Role with Daughter Shuri Is Making Headlines!

 Yutaka Mizutani, who made his acting debut at age 14 and is now in his 61st year in show business, speaks about his fourth film as a director—currently screening in theaters nationwide—saying, “My career in show business up until now has been a long, long period of preparation, and I felt that my own world has finally begun.”

“I Could Have Quit Acting at Any Time” – Yutaka Mizutani Reveals the Thinking Behind His Long Career

 Hide Nishihara

 TV Asahi Insider Reveals the Backstory Behind the Unprecedented Cancellation of “Ano Channel”

 “I don’t want to continue this anymore, so I’m leaving the show,” Ano declared on social media, leading to the unprecedented cancellation of “Ano Channel.” A TV Asahi insider involved in the show’s production revealed the behind-the-scenes details, stating, “She must have read through the script.”

Insiders Speak Out: Claims That Ano-Chan Reviewed the Script and Named Another Celebrity She Didn’t Like

 Koichiro Umeki

 Yasuhisa Kikuchi

 Back by popular demand following the huge success of their first photobook—plus exclusive new shots! The “Invincible Sisters” taking the gravure world by storm open up about everything from behind-the-scenes stories to their future plans

 Back by popular demand following the huge success of their first photobook—plus exclusive new shots! Each has explored body sculpting to refine their natural, soft, and curvaceous figures! The “Invincible Sisters,” who are taking the gravure world by storm, open up about everything from behind-the-scenes stories to their future plans.

“The Main Attraction? A Firm and Gorgeous Body!” Erika and Marina Momose Star as This Week’s Cover Girls

 Kojiro Yamada

 A shopping district near one of Tokyo’s most exclusive residential neighborhoods. At the exit of a supermarket in one corner of the district stood a strapping man exuding an extraordinary aura—actor Shotaro Mamiya. Our magazine witnessed him enjoying a happy shopping trip with his wife, Ms. A, whom he announced his marriage to in ’24.

Taking the Lead in Carrying Plastic Bags… Shotaro Mamiya Spotted Enjoying a Happy Shopping Trip with His “Beautiful Wife Who Supports His Success”

 Sono Aida

 Ryo-chan of “Onikoshi Tomahawk,” who launched a verbal attack on Un-jash’s Ken Watanabe on social media—calling him “trash” and the like—has finally apologized for the controversial post. However, reactions to the controversy within the comedy community have been mixed…

&#8220;Nothing Has Changed&#8221;—Onigoe’s Ryo-chan Apologizes, Too… Why There’s Little Sympathy for Un-jash’s Watanabe in the Comedy Community

 Kazuki Izawa

 Ayumi Takagaki (Nakagawa)

 Minami Kobayashi (Nakagawa)

 I Want to Meet, Hear From, and Learn From That Top Performer [Part 3: Part 1]

 [Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] The guest for Episode 3 is Wolf Aaron of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who made the transition from judo to pro-wrestling. Anna Nakagawa, who has been friends with him for five years, delves into where the “strongest rookie” stands today and explores his philosophy as a pro.

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] From Judo to Pro Wrestling! Where Is “The Strongest Rookie,” Wolf Aaron, Now?

 I Want to Meet, Hear From, and Learn From That Top Runner [Part 3: Part 2]

 [Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] The guest for Part 3 is Wolf Aron of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who made the transition from judo to pro-wrestling. Anna Nakagawa, who has been friends with him for five years, shared stories about their friendship and some behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] A Friend of Five Years! Learning the Secrets of Being Natural from Wolf Aaron

 Ippei Hara

 Staff Members Reveal! Behind the Scenes of Weekly TV

 Nippon TV’s “Ariyoshi no Kabe” is ending this fall, and reports indicate that “THE W” will also be canceled. Due to production budget cuts, concept-based variety shows are on the decline, with a shift toward quiz shows, street-walking shows, and talk shows. Could viewers be migrating to YouTube and streaming services?

The End of an Era? Production Budget Cuts Are Hitting Japanese Variety Shows Hard

 Ryo Sakamoto (Formerly of the Culture and Society Department at Tokyo Sports Shimbun)

 Backgrid/Aflo

 The extravagant wedding of American pop star Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce is making headlines across the U.S. The guest list featured a star-studded lineup of Hollywood celebrities, but…

Taylor Swift&#8217;s $33 Million Wedding Draws Hollywood&#8217;s Biggest Names—But Guests Faced a Strict Rulebook

 Ukon Shima (Broadcast Writer, Video Producer)

 NHK’s morning drama *The Scent of the Wind* is struggling. The series features two leading ladies—the currently popular Ai Mikami and Juri Uesaka—but…

NHK&#8217;s Kaze, Kaoru Is Losing Viewers—Was the Dual-Protagonist Approach a Mistake?

 Kenji Sugawara

 Filming for the currently airing drama *Just Eating Dinner Together* took place along the Sumida River, with co-leads Kentaro Ito and Akari Hayami on set. The two seemed to be having a great time even between takes, just like a real couple.

Kentaro Ito and Akari Hayami Spotted on a Cheerful Date Scene Along the Sumida River

 FRIDAY Caught the Two of Them “After the Trouble”! Where Is This Controversy Headed?

 “Detective: Married Couples with Different Surnames” continues to cause a stir… FRIDAY had already captured the scene after the trouble began! Even during breaks on set, Hashimoto reportedly stood apart with her back turned, and an eerie tension hung in the air. Where exactly is this controversy headed?

A Rift Too Deep to Cross? Newly Released Photos Capture an Unusual Atmosphere Around Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto

 One night, they went to a jazz concert together; on another day, Narita rushed to the hotel where Shiina was staying during her tour…

 They went to a jazz concert together… and on another day, Narita made his way to the hotel where Shiina was staying… Shiina’s personal agency has even signed a management contract with Narita. It’s clear they’re quite close, but how do they view their relationship?

Full Story: Scoop! An Unexpected Pairing—Sheena Ringo and Yusuke Narita Caught in Exclusive Photos of an Intimate Date

 Sota Shima

 The comedy duo “Onigoe Tomahawk” has gained popularity for their “fight comedy.” Amid this, Ryo-chan’s post on X targeting Watanabe of “Un-jash” has sparked controversy. What’s more, Watanabe’s agency is absolutely livid…

&#8220;He&#8217;s Garbage&#8221; — Ryō-chan&#8217;s Attack on Ken Watanabe Raises Questions of Criminal Liability

 It’s been a year and a half since “timelesz project -AUDITION-” ended. While the former trainees who narrowly missed making the cut continue their individual activities, their fortunes are now beginning to diverge.

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