Nippon Television has officially announced the end of its culinary travel show, "Sekai Itadaki Gourmet," after just one year on the air. The news was revealed during the network's spring program launch conference held on March 4, 2025, at their headquarters located in Shiodome, Tokyo. The show, hosted by the popular comedy duo High-heel and talent Satomi Sato, aimed to connect audiences with various cultures through their culinary delights.
The premise of "Sekai Itadaki Gourmet" was to explore different countries via their food, as it stated, "The concept of 'Sekai Itadaki Gourmet' is to know the country through food and connect with the world through the power of food." The show successfully garnered attention by blending humor and travel, aiming to break down language barriers and deepen cultural appreciation among viewers. Over its tenure, the show featured several countries, creating memorable moments and culinary adventures.
Despite the show's unique approach and engaging content, it was announced at the conference this week the show would conclude at the end of March 2025. The primary reason for this decision is Nippon Television's desire to revive the Wednesday 10:00 PM drama time slot, which had previously aired successful programs like "Kaseifu no Mita" and "14-sai no Haha" before being converted to variety slots. A spokesperson clarified, "We aim to strengthen weaknesses in our prime slots by reintroducing drama to meet audience preferences," pointing to the data indicating strong viewer support for dramatized content.
This upcoming spring will see the introduction of the new drama, "Koi wa Miru Me," starring actors Tadayoshi Okura and Yuki Kishii, set to premiere on April 16, 2025, aiming to fill the viewer's appetite for storytelling once again.
Reflecting on the success of "Sekai Itadaki Gourmet," the show enriched viewers' perspectives, providing insights not just on culinary practices but also on cultural traditions across the globe. From traditional Korean dishes to street food from various nations, the program was praised for its educational merit. Episodes took viewers on journeys through historic marketplaces like Namdaemun, where hosts tried various local delights such as Korean-style soup noodles, Kalguksu, and marinated crab known as Kanjang Gejang.
The final episodes of the show, including one scheduled to air on March 5, 2025, will spotlight South Korea, featuring various special guests like celebrity chef Miyuki Iimori and others, sharing their culinary experiences and personal anecdotes tied to their favorite dishes.
Throughout its run," Sekai Itadaki Gourmet" highlighted the potency of food as not simply sustenance but as a bridge to connect diverse cultures. This thematic focus is what made the show resonate well with audiences, leading many to share their favorite moments and recipes online.
Looking forward, Nippon Television remains committed to adapting to audience preferences. The upcoming drama hours are intended not only to entertain but also to engage viewers through strong narratives, with plans to infuse new life back to their long-running drama slots.
While "Sekai Itadaki Gourmet" bids farewell, its legacy will undoubtedly linger as viewers fondly reminisce about their culinary travels from their living rooms. The final chapter for this show may close, but the appetite for international cuisine and cultural exchange continues to beckon viewers.
With audiences eager to see the new direction of Nippon Television, the pull of storytelling will reignite familiar faces on screen once again, marked with nostalgia and anticipation for what’s to come.