In a remarkable celebration of resilience and humor, Arata Tetsuhira, known widely as "Arata Tetsuhira" from the famed comedy duo "Kurimu Shichuu", continues to pilot the flagship variety show on Fuji TV, "Zenryoku! Dattsuryoku Times", which marks its 10th anniversary this April. Since its debut in April 2015, the show has become a beacon of unpredictable laughter while tackling topical news issues.
The evolution of "Zenryoku! Dattsuryoku Times" has been impressive. Originally launched as a special program in December 2014, it transitioned to a regular 30-minute show in April 2015. Its duration was extended to 40 minutes in October 2017 before settling back to 30 minutes as of April 2025. Under Tetsuhira’s direction, the show has cultivated a unique niche by adopting a news format interspersed with comedic commentary to confront current events.
Sparking notable excitement, the series has been involved in numerous surprise comebacks of former celebrities. For instance, in a notable November 2019 episode, the show featured Eiko Shibata from the comedy duo "Untouchable", who performed live after a decade-long hiatus. Similarly, in November 2023, Yuna Kimoto made her long-awaited return to terrestrial television after four years, followed by Ken Watanabe from "Unjash" making his comeback in December 2023 after three and a half years.
Delving deeper into the show's format, Tetsuhira explained that it combines elements of a typical news program while allowing guests, often seasoned comedians, to grapple with unpredictable comedic tasks. Guests are not only there to promote their projects but play into the scheme of the show, creating a lighter atmosphere that encourages engagement with serious topics.
He expresses immense pride in their accomplishments, particularly appreciating the December 2019 episode featuring "Untouchable." Tetsuhira highlighted that this segment had received the prestigious Galaxy Award monthly award, stating, “The surprise return of Untouchable reflected their decade-long absence, and the genuine emotions that poured forth resonated deeply with viewers.” This alignment of comedy and genuine storytelling has set the stage for the show’s success.
The show masterfully maintains its quality and relevance, despite the occasional controversies associated with returning celebrities. It has transformed into what Tetsuhira describes as a "recovery factory," providing a soft landing for artists needing to regain public approval. “People may often question if these celebrities should be on television again,” he noted. “But with the unique essence of our show, viewers tend to become more forgiving, thinking, ‘Well, if it’s on Zenryoku! Dattsuryoku Times, I guess it’s alright.’”
This clever audience perception and strategy create a platform where light-heartedness allows for meaningful discussions surrounding sensitive issues.
Reflecting on his career, Tetsuhira, who boasts over 30 years in the industry, revealed a deep sense of satisfaction in his work with "Zenryoku! Dattsuryoku Times" which he considers a high point of his artistic journey. “It might well be my culmination; it represents a moral certitude in what I’ve wanted to achieve as an entertainer,” he shared, highlighting the personal connections he’s built through the years.
When asked about future goals, Tetsuhira remained upbeat, stating, “When we initially reached the ten-year mark, there were chats regarding satisfaction; however, now that we’re here, it seems there’s a broader horizon ahead. Who knows? Perhaps another 20 or 30 years of continued madness,” he chuckled. “As long as we can make people laugh, I’ll keep it going.” His ever-enthusiastic nature resonates through the show’s vigorous format.
As Tetsuhira concludes his narrative, his dedication to evolving as an artist and maintaining a comedic sphere in challenging times shines through. His commitment to push boundaries while keeping laughter alive demonstrates both his personal growth and that of his show. It has become a staple in Japanese television, one that aims not just to entertain but also to encourage deeper discussions.
The insights shared in this candid interview reveal the creativity and relentless spirit behind a popular program that during its run has gone through transitions and changes but has always been grounded in the art of humor and human connection.
With its future bright, "Zenryoku! Dattsuryoku Times" will undoubtedly remain a robust platform for laughter, innovation, and cultural commentary in the years to come.
