Japanese variety shows announce summer specials and travel features

Japanese television networks have announced upcoming special programming featuring travel and quiz segments.

TV Asahi will broadcast a three-hour special of "Q-sama!!" on August 10, 2026. The program features a ranking of the 47 prefectures' best summer scenic spots based on local surveys. The episode includes a competitive quiz segment featuring participants such as Nobuaki Ishihara, Ryoji Ishihara, SAM, and DJ KOO.

Nippon TV's "Waratte Koraete!" will air a "Japan Nationwide Roadside Station Relay SP" on August 8, 2026. The segment follows various guests, including Olympic athletes Reiko Shioda and Mika Sugimoto, as well as &TEAM's K and actor Kei Nagatsuna, as they visit different roadside stations to guess top-selling local products. Locations featured include Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture and Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.