Today : Mar 14, 2025
Arts & Culture
14 March 2025

Highly Anticipated Quiz Show Returns With Star Contestants

Fifth graders graduate as friends and rivals compete for 10 million yen prize.

On March 14, 2025, the popular quiz show 'クイズ!あなたは小学5年生より賢いの?最強コンビSP' (Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? Super Strong Combinations Special) will make its highly anticipated return, airing on Japan Television Network from 7:00 PM to 8:54 PM. This special program reintroduces the much-loved 'Elementary School 5 Quiz' format, bringing with it the chance to compete for an impressive prize of 10 million yen.

Three dynamic pairs will be competing for the jackpot, each considered one of the show’s strongest combinations. The line-up includes the long-time friends and comedic duo of いとうあさこ (Ito Asa) and 大久保佳代子 (Okubo Kayoko), the news anchor duo of 羽鳥慎一 (Hatori Shinichi) and 藤井貴彦 (Fujii Takami), and the brainy pair from QuizKnock, ふくらP (Fukura P) and 田村正資 (Tamura Masataka).

Among the participants, Ito and Okubo stand out as friends for over 20 years, both well-known figures on Japanese variety shows. They are not only entertaining but also academically inclined; Ito, for example, hails from the prestigious 双葉小 (Futaba Elementary School) and achieved perfection on the 'Elementary School 5 Quiz' last November, demonstrating her intellectual prowess. Okubo, demonstrating similar talent, was known for her swift cognitive skills from childhood, eventually studying at the national university, 千葉大 (Chiba University), and has experience as a tutor.

Competing against them is the seasoned news anchor Hatori, who is participating for a record seventh time. Hatori’s previous appearances on the show have left fans eager to see if he can finally secure the grand prize. Joining him is his longtime friend Fujii, who, after spending 14 years reporting for 'news every.', has made the jump to evening news as the main caster of 'news zero'. This return to the quiz arena marks a fresh attempt for Fujii, who is undertaking his very first quiz challenge.

QuizKnock's Fukura P also has his own share of accolades, having once individually completed all quiz questions and snatched the 10 million yen prize back in December 2022. His partner, Tamura, is also making his much-awaited comeback to quiz competitions following a decade-long hiatus, where he had success alongside Ito during the 'High School Quiz', having led his school to victory.

Adding emotional depth to the show will be the graduation of five fifth-grade students who have previously assisted the adult competitors, marking their exit from the program. These young students will be leaving behind memories of pivotal moments, showcasing their intelligence and support. Their graduation promises to be heartfelt, as the fans will be eager to see them successfully complete the quiz one last time.

This special edition of 'クイズ!あなたは小学5年生より賢いの?' gears up to offer not just intellectual challenges but also entertainment and nostalgia. With A-List contestants, significant stakes of 10 million yen, and the unforgettable presence of departed child prodigies, there is bound to be excitement for fans tuning in on March 14.

Whether experienced or first-time participants, the stakes are high as they seek to solve problems and answer questions reminiscent of the fifth-grade curriculum. The air will be thick with anticipation as viewers watch to see which team will emerge victorious and how the young talents will bid farewell after their successful contributions as helpers.

So, mark your calendars for March 14—a night filled with fun, facts, and friendly competition. Every right answer will count, not just for the prize money but for the sense of accomplishment as well. Don’t miss out on what promises to be both thrilling and heartwarming!