# Japanese variety program finales

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-variety-program-finales
> Updated: 2026-09-30T12:17:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Several long-running Japanese variety programs are concluding their regular broadcasts. TV Asahi’s ‘Azatoku te Nani ga Warui no?’, which ran for approximately seven years, aired its final episode on September 24.

Nippon TV’s ‘Ariyoshi no Kabe’ concluded its regular weekly series on September 30 with a two-hour special featuring 65 comedians. Following the finale, host Ariyoshi Hiroiki announced that the program will continue via special year-end broadcasts. Additionally, Ariyoshi will direct a new ‘yankee drama’ for the streaming service Hulu, expected to be released within the year.

The transition of these programs reflects industry challenges for comedy-focused sketch shows attempting to maintain real-time viewership amidst the rise of short-form social media and on-demand platforms.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Ariyoshi no Kabe ends regular broadcast, announces year-end specials and Hulu drama

The variety show ‘Ariyoshi no Kabe’ has ended its regular broadcast on Nippon TV, but will return for year-end specials and a new directed drama on Hulu.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ariyoshi-no-kabe-ends-regular-broadcast-announces-year-end-specials-and-hulu-drama

### 2026-09-24: Japanese variety shows reach series finales

Long-running Japanese variety shows ‘Azatoku te Nani ga Warui no?’ and ‘Ariyoshi no Kabe’ are both concluding their regular broadcasts after several years on air.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-variety-shows-reach-series-finales

---
Cite as: Japanese variety program finales. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-variety-program-finales