Japanese variety show is television entertainment made up of a variety of original stunts, musical performances, comedy skits, quiz contests, and other acts.

Contents 1 Current situation 2 Influences overseas 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Current situation

Japanese television programs such as Music Station and Utaban continue in an almost pristine format from the same variety shows of years before. The only major changes have been the increasing disappearance of live backup music since the 1980s.

A once popular host Kyosen Ōhashi said, "Weird shows that are called Variety only exists in Japan."^[1]

One of the more controversial game shows is the Say This Right! Nut Cracker. In one part, if the male contestants fail to say a tongue-twister correctly, they get struck in the crotch by a spring-loaded pole, causing great pain. One contestant attempted to withdraw but the host cajoled him back on the platform.^[2][3]

[edit] Influences overseas

Japanese game shows have gained popularity around the world in recent years. Hole in the Wall or Brain Wall have sold rights to countries like Russia, China, and Australia. America has even caught on to adapting some of these quirky style game shows. Both FOX and ABC have purchased rights to different versions of some popular Japanese Games Shows set to air in the Summer and Fall of 2008.^[4]

ABC has been sued by TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) for their Wipeout program allegedly copying Sasuke and Takeshi's Castle. ^[5]

The BBC also has its own version of Hole in the Wall.

[edit] See also

• Variety show
• Manzai
• Big in Japan (format)

[edit] References

This article related to Japanese television is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e