The 62nd Galaxy Awards selection has been announced, highlighting some of the most innovative and entertaining programming in Japan. Among the nominees, the show titled "TV Tokyo's Popular Projects Tried by Global TV Stations! TV Tokyo Smash Hits" has gained recognition in the TV category. This unique program features popular segments from renowned TV Tokyo shows like "Is Your Home Alright?", "TV Champion", and "What Isn't Taught at School!" being remade by television stations in Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia. The production process was overseen by popular personalities such as Izumi Motoya, Zun Iio, and A Masso Kato, who witnessed firsthand how these beloved formats were adapted for different cultures.
In addition to this standout show, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks support program "MANDAN" aired by Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting has also been nominated in the radio category. This engaging program features different personalities like Chimney, Honey, and Blue River serving as hosts, providing a fresh take on sports broadcasting.
Moreover, in the WebCM category, a commercial featuring DaiAn Tsuda as "the person with a bankbook" for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation's smartphone account "Olive" has made the cut. The commercial humorously depicts Tsuda, who is still using a paper bankbook, being persuaded by his relatives to switch to a smartphone account. Tsuda's performance, which showcased his acting prowess while forgoing his usual comedic gags, has sparked conversations about the importance of adapting to modern banking.
Other notable selections in the TV category include the project "I Want to Get 100 Points on the Test!!" from "Television Chitose" on TV Asahi, the drama "Shinjuku Savage Hospital" featuring Dragon Dragon Sazuchi as the nurse chief Shinobu Horai, and the serial TV novel "Torani Tsubasa" in which Sazuchi, Oriental Radio Fujimori, and Cissonne participated. These selections exemplify the diversity and creativity present in contemporary Japanese television.
The Galaxy Awards, which takes place annually, evaluates programming from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. The grand prize, excellence award, and selection award for each category will be announced during a ceremony that will be live-streamed on the Broadcasting Critics Association YouTube official channel on June 2, 2025.
In a different realm of entertainment, the new ABEMA program "Wedding Wars" is set to premiere on April 29, 2025, with a total of eight episodes. Ahead of the official broadcast, a special preview episode aired, showcasing the engaging conversations of the studio MCs, including Emi Suzuki, Kaede Mori, DaiAn Tsuda, and progress facilitator Shinji Nishimura from Cotton. During this episode, Suzuki shared her personal story about marrying a non-celebrity man in 2013 and how her husband's scent played a pivotal role in her decision to wed after just two weeks of dating.
This revelation sparked a lively discussion in the studio about the significance of scent in attraction. Mori, expressing her agreement that "scent is important!", decided to check Tsuda's scent, leading to a humorous moment when she exclaimed, "Ah! It doesn't smell bad." Suzuki also took a whiff and commented, "Ah, it's nice. It smells like an overseas airport lounge!" Tsuda, pleased with the compliments, responded enthusiastically, "It's super smelly! It's a scent that really raises my tension!"
The premise of "Wedding Wars" involves eight couples who are dating with the intention of marriage. They will face intense challenges during their cohabitation, designed to test their love and compatibility while vying for a grand prize of 10 million yen. The couples come from various backgrounds, each grappling with personal issues such as financial difficulties, infidelity, unemployment, and sexual incompatibility, as they explore the true meaning of marriage.
In the special preview, Suzuki's mention of her husband's scent led to a lighthearted atmosphere, prompting laughter among the studio audience. Additionally, Tsuda shared a memorable anecdote about receiving a luxurious item from his wife's grandmother as part of his "bridegroom" experience, which surprised the other studio members.
On the other hand, Mori, the only single member of the studio, expressed her admiration for comedian Shibata Hidekatsu from Anta Touchable, praising him for his kindness and thoughtful nature. This mix of personal stories and humorous interactions has set the stage for what promises to be an entertaining and insightful series.
As "Wedding Wars" gears up for its debut, it aims to not only entertain but also provoke thought about the complexities of love and marriage in modern society. With its unique format and engaging content, the show is expected to resonate with viewers and spark discussions about relationships.
Both the Galaxy Awards and the upcoming "Wedding Wars" exemplify the vibrant landscape of Japanese entertainment, showcasing creativity, humor, and the deep connections that shape our lives. As audiences anticipate the award ceremony and the premiere of the new series, the excitement surrounding these events reflects the ongoing evolution of media in Japan.
