On March 24, 2025, a new era of entertainment will dawn as TBS launches its highly anticipated program “Tamima no Okage,” hosted by the charismatic duo Higashino Koji and Hiromi. This new variety show aims to explore the unfiltered opinions of the public—referred to as ‘Tamimas’—to provide them with useful insights for their daily lives.
This innovative show emerges as a successor to “THE MC3,” a program that concluded following the departure of its host, Masahiro Nakai, from the entertainment industry. The format of “Tamima no Okage” cleverly centers on audience engagement—conducting surveys to reflect the true sentiments of everyday citizens, giving a voice to their thoughts and concerns.
As the premiere approaches, Higashino revealed behind-the-scenes anecdotes on his late-night ABC Radio program “Higashino Koji’s Honmono Radio.” He shared the amusing experience of praying just before the first recording for the new show, a ritual he had not encountered during his previous tenure on “THE MC3.” Higashino’s humorous take on the preparation process included reflections on the unusual concept of praying in a studio setting, explaining, “It’s the first time I've experienced this at TBS. Before the actual show, they mentioned they were going to be doing prayers. Usually, prayer is reserved for movies or dramas; I’ve previously only seen it prior to filming horror projects or significant events.”
“Tamima no Okage,” described as Japan’s “most unnecessary variety show,” is designed to entertain while also being originally helpful, utilizing the comedic talents of its guests to relate to the audience’s interests. The first episode promises to be star-studded, featuring guests such as comedy duo Ogi and Yoshi, Yukiko Nogami, Miki Fujimoto, and Kaito Matsuda from the popular group Travis Japan.
Hiromi, reflecting on the first recording, mentioned that despite the change in studio environment, he felt an exciting sense of continuity with his co-host Higashino. “It didn’t feel much like a new show,” he noted, enjoying the new seating arrangements that provided a fresh dynamic for their interaction. They aim to keep the atmosphere lively and foster a connection with guests while gauging public opinions.
To further the comedic aspect, the initial episode plans to investigate how certain celebrities relate to various public rankings. For instance, one segment will task guests with identifying whether they’d make the “top voices in showbiz” list. This blends fun with intrigue as their findings could yield shocking outcomes. Furthermore, the show will feature a creative take on Matsuda’s image, diving into the “Reiwa’s Latest Natural Talent Rankings,” which promises to invoke laughter and surprise among viewers.
An additional segment that has caught the audience's attention involves Fujimoto reviewing “Top 10 Moments That Annoy Husbands,” a relatable topic aimed at wives everywhere, providing both humor and practical tips for resolving common domestic irritations.
As TBS bids farewell to long-serving shows amidst a changing television landscape—with “Kinyoubi no Smiletachi e” ending after 23 years—this new venture features staff carefully orchestrating a vibrant, engaging experience for all viewers. Higashino expressed hope for unique scenarios and entertaining combinations derived from audience feedback and surveys, remarking that he anticipates insightful and hilarious moments to come. “Thanks to the staff who set the atmosphere, I enjoyed our opening. With VTR based on Tamima’s surveys, I hope to foster unexpected collaborations,” he expressed.
The unique branding of “Tamima no Okage” corresponds directly to a trend within Japanese media that seeks to reconnect with everyday people amidst an industry feeling the pressure of changing viewer habits. TBS navigates these challenges carefully, especially following Nakai’s public issues which contributed to mounting scrutiny during the network's transitional phase. The management at TBS reassured that the praying ceremony is not directed towards addressing past troubles but rather an innovative event to mark the show's spiritual theme—reflecting a cultural aspect intrinsic to Japanese audiences.
Indeed, Higashino’s candid nature is both an asset and a potential risk in the media landscape. Stories have circulated about the caution surrounding his radio program and the broader implications it can have for networks. An insider noted that “many TV station employees are kept on alert” regarding comments made on the show, recounting incidents where his commentary led to backlash among network executives.
As he continues to receive offers, rather than see his workload decline, it’s clear that Higashino Koji remains an influential and relevant personality in the industry, an assertion made stronger as he enters his 40th year in entertainment, captivating audiences while also walking a tightrope of media scrutiny.
With “Tamima no Okage” set to engage with the public like never before, it will certainly bring forth laughter, insights, and perhaps even some controversy, capturing the essence of contemporary Japanese variety entertainment. As viewers await the show’s premiere, it evokes curiosity about the thoughtful and entertaining conversations that will unfold, reflecting the world of the ‘Tamimas’ in today’s society.
