Japanese variety shows reach series finales

Several long-running Japanese variety programs are reaching their conclusions. The TV Asahi program ‘Azatoku te Nani ga Warui no?’ aired its final episode on the 24th, ending a run that began as a special broadcast approximately seven years ago. The show, which focused on the concept of ‘azatosa’ (calculated cuteness), was hosted by Ryota Yamasato alongside various MCs including Minami Tanaka, Ayaka Hironaka, and Airi Suzuki.

Simultaneously, the Nippon TV variety show ‘Ariyoshi no Kabe’ is preparing for its regular series finale. A two-hour special scheduled for the 30th will feature 65 comedians performing at Fuji-Q Highland. The special will also determine an overall winner from the show’s six-and-a-half-year history. In anticipation of the finale, 13 special programs from the show’s earlier years are being made available for streaming on Hulu.