On March 17, 2025, Fuji TV aired a notable episode of its hit variety show 'Nanka "Omoshiroi Koto" Nai no?', featuring Fuga Kikuchi, a member of the popular eight-member idol group timelesz. The show, which has garnered a strong fanbase since its inception in October 2023, has become a platform for Kikuchi and his co-host, Shinobu Nagatani from the comedy duo Sisonne, to engage with various guests, including popular actresses, in entertaining challenges.
During the episode, which aired at its usual 11 PM JST time slot, viewers were treated to the second part of a special three-week segment titled 'Fuga Birthday Trip in Guam.' This segment featured Tsubasa Honda as a studio guest and showcased Kikuchi celebrating his recent 30th birthday on March 7, 2025, by traveling to Guam with a young male assistant director known as Miyahara.
Miyahara, who shares the same birth year with Kikuchi, is noted for his large stature and comedic demeanor, weighing in at 130 kg. Their chemistry and antics have proven to be a hit with audiences, as demonstrated during the episode where the pair engaged in humorous physical challenges like wrestling on the beach and getting soaked on a jet ski.
However, as the episode drew to a close, an unexpected announcement raised eyebrows. The segment concluded with Kikuchi revealing that Miyahara had informed him the show would be moving to a late-night time slot beginning in April 2025. This announcement was ominously prefaced by a notice on the screen stating, "The broadcast time will change. Details to be announced soon." This subtle but striking message left viewers sensing uncertainty regarding the show's future.
The confusion surrounding this sudden change in airtime was evident, as fans took to social media platform X to express their bewilderment. Comments included remarks like, "Is it really necessary for a good show to change its time slot?" and, "Why is such a popular program being bumped to late-night?" These responses reflect the fans' attachment to 'Nanka "Omoshiroi Koto" Nai no?' and their concern for its future, especially considering the time slot shift's implications for viewership.
The show's timing adjustment correlates with the annual reshuffling of television programming in March, where networks often experiment with their line-ups, introducing new shows while discontinuing others. Fuji TV itself announced on March 12, 2025, that 'Nanka "Omoshiroi Koto" Nai no?' would be relocated, making room for a new weekly segment called 'Getsu Bara Star Eleven.' Yet the network has kept the specific day of the week for Kikuchi's show under wraps, adding to the mystery and suspense surrounding its future.
Fuga Kikuchi's rise to fame is closely associated with his performances on various variety shows, particularly the successful Fuji TV program 'Geinoujin ga Honki de Kangaeta! Dokkiri GP.' In this popular format, Kikuchi gained a reputation for his daring antics, such as a memorable prank featuring seawater pants that dissolved when wet—an event that generated significant media buzz and led to even greater popularity.
Kikuchi's commitment to his role as an entertainer has endeared him to fans, who appreciate his willingness to undertake risky stunts. Many supporters had previously expressed hopes for 'Nanka "Omoshiroi Koto" Nai no?' to transition to a more favorable time slot, particularly aiming for what is referred to as the 'Golden Zone'—prime television viewing hours considered crucial for maximizing audience reach.
As March rolls on and viewers await further developments, the anticipation surrounding the show's time slot transition can be felt across social media platforms and fan forums. Many wish for the kind of airtime that could permit Kikuchi to thrive while exploring new comedic challenges. Whether this move brings necessary changes or risks frustrating the established fanbase remains to be seen.
The late-night shift is undeniably intriguing but carries inherent risks—will it sustain the viewer interest that 'Nanka "Omoshiroi Koto" Nai no?' has enjoyed since its debut? The lingering hope among fans is that the shift won't diminish the show's charm but rather enhance its creative appeal. In an era of rapid content consumption and digitally driven entertainment, understanding the nuances of network decisions is pivotal. Fans fervently hope for clarity and a return to familiar viewing patterns, ensuring the continued success of Kikuchi's emerging legacy within Japanese television.