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Tag: Nippon TV

  • Japanese drama about child abuse finds new home in Greece

    Japanese drama about child abuse finds new home in Greece

    ATHENS: Greece has become the latest country to embrace one of Japan’s most emotionally charged television dramas. Mother, a series that tackles the harrowing subject of child abuse through the story of a teacher who kidnaps her student to save her from domestic violence, premiered on Alpha TV on September 25th.

    The Greek adaptation, titled Na me les mama (Call me mom), marks the 11th international remake of the Nippon TV original—making it the most globally adapted Asian scripted format on record. Filmiki, the Greek production company behind the series, worked closely with Nippon TV to maintain the show’s emotional core whilst adapting it for local audiences.

    “Mother is a story that has transcended cultures,” said Nippon TV scripted format sales and licensing executive Sally Yamamoto. The series has already conquered markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with versions airing in South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, Thailand, China, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and the Philippines.

    The original Japanese drama follows a woman in her mid-thirties who lives an apathetic existence until she discovers one of her pupils is being abused at home. Unable to understand her own impulses, she kidnaps the child and attempts to raise her as her own daughter whilst on the run from authorities.

    Alpha TV programme director Christos Kompos described the series as “one of these stories that we feel really honoured to share with our audience.” The adaptation will stream simultaneously on Alpha TV’s HbbTV platform.

    The show’s unflinching examination of society’s tendency to ignore child abuse has struck a chord with international audiences, proving that some stories need no translation to resonate across cultural boundaries.

  • Nippon TV bets on female-driven crime and comedy for global conquest

    Nippon TV bets on female-driven crime and comedy for global conquest

    CANNES: Japan’s Nippon TV is rolling the dice on two female-fronted scripted formats as it muscles into the lucrative international content market ahead of Mipcom 2025.

    The broadcaster unveiled Murderous Encounter, a dark romantic thriller about journalists investigating serial killings, and The Reluctant Preacher, a sharp comedy following an unmotivated teacher’s transformation. Both feature strong female protagonists battling personal demons whilst tackling crime and injustice.

    “We are confident that these stories can be successfully localised, captivating audiences in any market,” said Nippon TV head of international sales, content business and distribution Sayako Aoki.

    The Japanese giant is riding high on format success. Its drama Mother holds the record for most adaptations of an Asian series globally, with local versions spanning 11 countries from Turkey to Saudi Arabia. Nearly 90 per cent of Nippon TV’s content intellectual property is owned in-house, giving it hefty margins on international sales.

    Murderous Encounter follows two journalists whose professional rivalry turns romantic whilst investigating the Horus Eye Murders. As their relationship deepens, suspicion mounts that one might be the serial killer they’re hunting. The producers behind hits My Lover’s Secret and Your Turn to Kill are banking on their signature twist-heavy storytelling to hook global audiences.

    The Reluctant Preacher centres on a demotivated teacher assigned to a problem class who unexpectedly becomes a passionate educator delivering bold sermons. The comedy-drama ranked number one in its Japanese time slot among children and second among teenagers. Netflix has already snapped up global streaming rights.

    Both series have clocked over 2 million views on advertising-supported video platforms, signalling strong domestic appetite. The move underscores Japanese broadcasters’ growing confidence in exporting homegrown content as global streaming wars intensify demand for fresh formats.

    Nippon TV’s aggressive international push includes launching Gyokuro Studio for unscripted formats and establishing a Los Angeles business office targeting US and Latin American markets. The company owns streaming giant Hulu in Japan, giving it additional leverage in content distribution deals.

  • Disney+ and Nippon TV hit the road with ‘Traveling with Snow Man’

    Disney+ and Nippon TV hit the road with ‘Traveling with Snow Man’

    MUMBAI: Disney+ and Nippon TV are teaming up for a genre-first from Japan—an unscripted travel reality series titled “Traveling with Snow Man,” set to premiere on 27 July on Nippon TV, with an exclusive uncut global version dropping on Disney+ right after.

    The 10-episode series (each running 22 minutes) stars Snow Man, the chart-topping nine-member J-pop boy band, as they embark on a joyride from Okinawa to Hokkaido, blending heart, humour, and hometown charm. But this isn’t your typical idol show. Joining them is Tabi, an AI-style robot and the unofficial 10th member, capturing all the candid chaos as it unfolds.

    This marks a major milestone for Disney+, as Traveling with Snow Man becomes the first-ever Japanese unscripted travel series to launch on the platform.

    Kicking off with a laid-back beach barbecue in Okinawa, episode one sets the tone—shop-hopping, joyrides, grilled surprises and plenty of banter. Along the route north, the group gets up close with Japan’s rich cultural diversity, sampling local delicacies, bonding with residents, and exploring iconic locations.

    Under the banner theme “One for Snow Man, Snow Man for One,” each member reflects on their individual growth and how it fuels the collective journey, resulting in a travelogue full of introspection, brotherhood, and playful misadventures.

    A newly released key visual shows Snow Man lounging by the Okinawan seaside breezy, beachy, and brimming with off-stage charm. Fans can expect a rare peek behind the idol curtain, where spontaneity trumps script, and raw moments steal the show.

    With global audiences now in tow thanks to the Disney+ release, “Traveling with Snow Man” is poised to become Japan’s next bingeable cultural export—one barbecue, one tear, and one Tabi-captured moment at a time.

    “We are deeply honored to announce that the uncut version ‘Traveling with Snow Man’, with additional scenes, will be streamed globally on Disney+, allowing audiences around the world to enjoy it immediately after broadcasting in Japan,” said Travelling with Snow Man producer and chairman Takashi Kato. “What stood out to me in our conversations with the group is their deep passion for their work and the strong bond they share. This series captures all of that and more. As we travel across Japan, we capture the members’ genuine personalities and heartfelt dedication, all while savoring local delicacies along the way. And please look forward to the cheeky navigation by the AI-style robot, ‘Tabi’.”
     

  • Nippon TV’s Golden SixTones lands on Netflix from 6 June

    Nippon TV’s Golden SixTones lands on Netflix from 6 June

    TOKYO: In a pitch-perfect move for pop fans, Netflix is rolling out Nippon TV’s Sunday night sensation Golden SixTones for global streaming starting 6 June. The zany variety show, fronted by Japan’s chart-topping boy band SixTones  (pronounced “stones”), becomes the first regular entertainment series from Nippon TV to be snapped up by the streamer for international audiences.

    Launched in April 2025 and clocking in at 60 minutes per episode, Golden SixTones has quickly hit the high notes in Japan — bagging ratings gold and topping social media charts every week. With Netflix now turning up the volume, the show will be subtitled in multiple languages and streamed worldwide, alongside its existing availability on Hulu and TVer in Japan.

    Packed with laughs, gourmet grub, quizzes and madcap competitions, Golden SixTones is a riotous studio variety show aimed at all age groups. The band’s infectious energy, mixed with celebrity guests and unpredictable segments, has already struck a chord with fans.

    Nippon TV producer Yoshihiro Miyazaki called the global release “an immense honour”, adding, “We can’t wait for fans around the world to experience the electric vibe that SixTones brings each week.”

    Netflix  director of content Rie Sawaoka echoed the enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to partner with Nippon TV featuring the popular boy band SixTones, to audiences around the world. Netflix is committed to bringing the best of uniquely Japanese entertainment to our members globally, and we are honored to bring the energetic charm of SixTones and this wonderful program, produced by Nippon TV, to their existing fanbase and new viewers alike. We eagerly anticipate Golden SixTones  captivating audiences worldwide on Netflix, allowing them to experience the power of Japanese entertainment.”

    With Golden SixTones  now marching onto the global stage, it’s clear that this boy band isn’t just striking a chord at home — they’re set to rock screens worldwide.

  • Fremantle secures global rights to Japanese game show Ants

    Fremantle secures global rights to Japanese game show Ants

    MUMBAI: Fremantle has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Ants, a novel Japanese competition format where contestants tackle supersized challenges while pretending to be ant-sized humans.

    The format, originally created by Nippon TV and further developed by Fremantle North America, transforms contestants into ant-sized competitors who must navigate enormous everyday objects and work together to complete physical challenges. Tasks include transporting oversized food items across a giant kitchen against the clock, with prize money increasing based on successful collections.

    Under the distribution agreement, Nippon TV will retain rights for most of Asia, while Fremantle will handle the rest of the world. The show has already proven successful in Japan, where it launched as a special on Nippon TV.

    “It is so rare to find a format that makes you say to yourself ‘I have never seen anything like this,’” said Fremantle EVP of Unscripted Jimmy Fox. He noted that Nippon TV has a strong track record in format creation, having developed both Dragons’ Den (known as Shark Tank in America) and Sokkuri Sweets, which sparked the ‘cake or not cake’ trend.

    Fremantle’s EVP global acquisitions and development Vasha Wallace, said the company has already received significant interest in the format, citing its unique blend of humour and physical challenges that appeals to viewers of all ages.

    Nippon TV  head of formats Tom Miyauchi described the show as highlighting “the power of unity and teamwork, much like the ants themselves.” The format features distinctive themed characters and larger-than-life set designs to create its miniaturised world.

    The deal marks another significant format export from Japan, following Nippon TV’s previous international successes with shows like Dragons’ Den and Old Enough!, the latter of which streams on Netflix in over 190 countries.

  • Nippon TV promotes Hiroyuki Fukuda to president & COO

    Nippon TV promotes Hiroyuki Fukuda to president & COO

    MUMBAI: Tokyo-based Nippon TV has promoted Hiroyuki Fukuda to representative director, president &  chief operating officer, effective  1 January 2025. He succeeds Akira Ishizawa, who will transition to represent the newly established Yomiuri Chukyo FS Broadcasting Holdings Corp.

    Fukuda, who joined Nippon TV in 1985, has held various key positions in both sales and programming divisions, including divisional president of production &  chief content officer. Most recently, he has been leading content strategy and corporate initiatives, guiding the company to maintain a leading position in viewer ratings.

    In his new role, Fukuda aims to expand Nippon TV’s “content-centric strategy,” focusing on reducing dependency on broadcast revenue while enhancing digital and advertising capabilities. He highlighted the importance of adapting to industry changes and leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline content production.

    Fukuda is also known for his strong leadership and rapport within the industry, as well as his commitment to community outreach. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasised the necessity of advancing toward new goals in the evolving media landscape.

    The company anticipates significant progress under Fukuda’s leadership as it adapts to the challenges ahead.

  • Nippon TV licenses Old Enough! to Mongolia’s Brickmedia

    Nippon TV licenses Old Enough! to Mongolia’s Brickmedia

    Tokyo: Nippon TV has licensed the Mongolian rights to its hit unscripted format Old Enough! to Brickmedia. The first Mongolian version of the format was produced based on Nippon TV’s format bible and is set to stream 20 episodes this fall on SeeRooTV, Mongolia’s first kids-only streaming platform.

    Old Enough! captures the refreshing wonder, amazement, and charm of little children going on “big adventures” – running errands on their own for the very first time. The children are filled with a sense of determination and noble purpose. A cultural phenomenon in Japan, Old Enough! has been a prime time hit for over 30 years and is a proven ratings powerhouse across all demographics, drawing audiences anywhere it is globally produced. Old Enough! can be adapted in many alternative ways to meet the various production and cultural standards of the producing country. In all cases, the producers meticulously gather research from parents and parental organisations, and parents decide the appropriate challenge for each child. When the child hits the streets, it is always under the watchful eye of hidden cameras and the show’s safety team. Educators, parents’ groups, and parents have hailed the show for its charming portrayal of the parent-child bond.

    The announcement was made jointly by Nippon TV format sales Raku Iizuka and Brickmedia CEO Ariunaa Gansukh.

    “We fell in love with Old Enough! at Mipcom 2022. We started by airing Nippon TV’s finished version which quickly became a cultural sensation in Mongolia,” commented Gansukh. “Producing our own version has been both exciting and challenging, as it’s not common for young children here to go out alone. However, this adaptation highlights the resilience and independence of Mongolian children as they navigate environments that can be unsafe. We’re thrilled to bring this local version, produced with Nippon TV’s expert guidance, to our audience this fall.”

    “Old Enough! is a wonderful show that reaffirms the bond between parents and children by capturing the heartwarming moments of children taking on their very first challenges,” commented Iizuka. “It is a great honor to be involved in the production of the local Mongolian version with Brickmedia, and I am confident that this adaptation, tailored to the local culture, will create new and touching moments. I look forward to seeing how the core values of the show resonate with families across borders.”

  • Nippon TV appoints Satoru Hiramatsu as global content MD

    Nippon TV appoints Satoru Hiramatsu as global content MD

    Mumbai:  Nippon TV Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced the appointment of Satoru Hiramatsu to the position of managing director of global ontent business. Hiramatsu, previously from Nippon TV’s linear and streaming programming division, will now report directly to Yuzo Kuwahara, operating officer and president of content business, and replaces Mikiko Nishiyama who is now executive advisor of global strategy headquarters.  

    In his new position, Hiramatsu will oversee the global content sales and promotion team that is responsible for the company’s success of its internationally acclaimed formats led by Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, Old Enough! and Mother, and further expand Nippon TV’s presence in the industry.

    “Nippon TV is one of Japan’s leading content companies, with the longest history among private television networks and consistently earning the highest ratings in the country. Several of our formats, including Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, Old Enough! and Mother, have already garnered international acclaim. However, Nippon TV still holds a wealth of equally creative formats and ideas that have yet to be fully introduced to the world,” commented Hiramatsu “My goal is to promote these new IP in a timely and compelling manner. I believe that the global content market is witnessing a rising wave of interest in Japanese-origin content, not only in anime but also in live-action formats. At Nippon TV, we aim to play a pivotal role in amplifying this wave by working closely with our global partners.”

    Hiramatsu began his career at Nippon TV’s news department, where he covered national and international news, including the September 11th terrorist attacks in the U.S. in 2001 and the East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. He played a key role in the launch of News Zero, the most famous and popular nightly news program on the Japanese commercial network, which he produced and helped grow into the ongoing success it is today. After his time in the news, Hiramatsu transitioned to

    Nippon TV’s advertising sales division and content marketing division. Prior to this new position as managing director of global content business, he was responsible for determining Nippon TV’s broadcast schedule at the programming division, including the programming and launch of new programs.

  • Nippon TV unveils four new standout titles for MIPCOM

    Nippon TV unveils four new standout titles for MIPCOM

    Mumbai: Nippon TV, Japan’s multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced today the company will unveil four new formats at this year’s MIPCOM. The program lineup includes two new unscripted formats, Man or Mannequin? (60-120 min. eps.) and Unstoppable (60-120 min. eps.), as well as two new scripted formats Secret Makeover (60 min. eps.) and Going Home (60 min. eps.).

    “Man or Mannequin? and Unstoppable are both ambitious game shows that test the limits and imaginations of contestants through universally appealing formats,” commented  Nippon TV head of formats Tom Miyauchi.   “At Nippon TV, we pride ourselves in creating compelling game shows with a unique twist that are entertaining for global audiences. Man or Mannequin? is a game show format with a strong visual identity, a guessing game scaled to a new height and staged all around the city. Unstoppable is a conceptual game show in which the challengers never stop and always try to keep winning through a succession of simply irresistible games.   We are delighted to be offering these new unscripted formats that are sure to captivate viewers with its fun and innovative concepts.”

    “Secret Makeover and Going Home are scripted formats with stories about female protagonists who gather the courage to change the irrational world and face unsolved mysteries as well as personal burdens from the past,” commented Nippon TV head of scripting Sayako Aoki.   “As we have seen with our mega-hit formats Mother and Rebooting, there is an appetite for scripted formats with strong women at the helm of the story. It is our goal that our new formats will also resonate with audiences around the world while keeping them engaged with a fast-paced story packed with unexpected plot twists.”

  • Nippon TV secures their first format deals in Malaysia

    Nippon TV secures their first format deals in Malaysia

    Mumbai: Japan’s multiplatform entertainment powerhouse – Nippon TV has announced that they have finalised a deal with Astro, Malaysia’s content and entertainment company which has acquired the rights to Nippon TV’s award-winning scripted formats Love’s In Sight! (60 min. eps.) and Homeroom (60 min. eps.). Juita Viden, one of Malaysia’s largest independent distributors of local and international content, brokered the Malaysian adaptation deal for both formats. Astro is set to air the Malay-language version of Love’s In Sight! (Dari Mata Turun ke Hati in Malaysia) starting 12 August and Homeroom (Kelas Tahanan Cikgu Hiragi in Malaysia) to follow. The announcement has been made by Nippon TV’s format licensing and content business – Sally Yamamoto.

    Astro vice president of Malay, international, kids & on-demand Azlin Reza Azmi said, “We are very excited to partner with Nippon TV to bring two award-winning Japanese scripted series to our Malaysian audience. Astro is constantly looking to create content based on rich characters and stories to exceed our customers’ growing expectations of compelling storytelling at high production values. This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing high-quality entertainment to our customers. The upcoming series, Dari Mata Turun ke Hati and Kelas Tahanan Cikgu Hiragi are adaptations of the hit series and will retain the core elements that have made them successful in Japan, with a local twist to resonate with our Malaysian audience. With the localization of these series featuring fresh and prominent local talents, we aim to keep our customers engaged with more ways to watch celebrated worldwide series through relevant local context, expressions, and creativity.”

    “We are delighted to be announcing two first-time format deals in Malaysia for Love’s In Sight! as well as Homeroom, thanks to the enthusiasm of our partners in Malaysia, Astro – which have shared our passion for these exciting adaptations,” commented Yamamoto. “Love’s In Sight!, based on a hit manga, vividly depicts the lives of social minorities and is full of love, laughter, and emotional moments. Homeroom, already adapted in Turkey and Thailand, is set to provoke thoughtful discussions among the Malaysian audience. With Mother now adapted in eight countries, Nippon TV will keep committing to share unique stories to the global content landscape.”