TBS producer reveals RPG inspiration for “Detective Tsuda” segment

TBS producer Kentaro Fujii revealed the origins of the popular “Detective Tsuda” prank segment from the program “Wednesday Downtown.” During an appearance on TBS Radio, Fujii explained that the concept was inspired by role-playing games (RPGs).

The idea centered on creating an “NPC-like” environment where characters would repeat the same phrases regardless of interaction, intended to frustrate comedian Atsuhiro Tsuda. This frustration was meant to be the comedic core of the segment, which eventually evolved into a detective-themed prank where Tsuda must solve a murder mystery to conclude the filming.