ABEMA, the popular television and video entertainment platform, has announced several exciting programming updates for its viewers this February. Among the highlights is the live broadcast of the news show ABEMA Prime, which aired on February 6. This episode focused on the story of a middle school girl who challenged the school's rules about hair dyeing without clear reasoning. She submitted a petition to the city council, questioning the appropriateness of such regulations. Show host Daiki Kanekida, of the comedy duo EXIT, shared personal experiences, stating, "When I was in middle school, I dyed my hair blond and faced demands from teachers to change it back. I refused and was often met with disapproving looks. Looking back, I realized the teachers weren't just enforcing rules; they were trying to give me guidance for life outside school." He went on to argue for the importance of some school regulations, explaining they help mitigate visible socio-economic disparities among students.
Kanekida emphasized, "There should be some rules to prevent situations where kids from wealthier backgrounds stand out due to cosmetic concerns, which can lead to risky behaviors. School rules serve as practice for life, where many unreasonable demands persist." His partner, Rintaro, added, "If schools are going to enforce rules, there should be valid reasons provided to students. Otherwise, I feel they forfeit the right to impose restrictions." The episode is currently available for catch-up viewing on ABEMA.
On February 15, ABEMA will launch the program 'J-League 2025 Kickoff! Super Prediction Festival' on the ABEMA SPORTS channel, aimed at enhancing fan engagement for the upcoming J1 League season. Broadcasts will take place at 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM, featuring analyses from former national team players like Yoichiro Kakitani and team predictions from other notable figures such as comedians and music artists. The first episode will include predictions for the opening matches of the J1 League, allowing fans and newcomers alike to participate actively.
J-League 2025 Kickoff! will provide audiences with insights on all 20 clubs participating, and encourage them to join the excitement of guessing match scores alongside the hosts. This innovative program aims to attract existing fans and listen to the perspectives of those new to the J1 League.
Feedback and excitement for the upcoming format have already begun to circulate, with the ABEMA SPORTS team's approach to engaging with the audience being well-received. This unique show arrives just before the J-league's initial match, enhancing the anticipation for the season.
Another recent highlight on ABEMA includes the episode of 'Nananī Underground ABEMA' aired on February 9. Hosted by Goro INAGAKI, Tsuyoshi KUSANAGI, and Shingo KATORI, this episode featured stories from four very wealthy young women who grew up with extravagant lifestyles. Their stories captivated the audience, as one revealed her daily experiences including riding to kindergarten in a Rolls Royce and claiming to have over 40 vacation homes. The episodes sparked humor and surprise, particularly when discussions turned to their lavish spending habits.
The show offers not just entertainment but also reflections on wealth and its impact on lifestyle and values. KUSANAGI humorously mentioned his own high-value vintage wardrobe, claiming some pieces cost up to 30 million yen, prompting laughs and disbelief among his co-hosts.
Viewers are encouraged to watch the current episode, which is available online, along with the forthcoming episodes set for February 16 and 23, featuring collaborative videos with popular YouTubers. Such collaborations are expected to bring fresh content and new audiences to ABEMA.
With these announcements, ABEMA continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing diverse programming, emphasizing news, sports, and entertainment adeptly catering to various viewer preferences. Fans can access previously aired episodes, ensuring they don't miss out on any exciting content. Stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to check ABEMA's full lineup!