Japan's beloved variety show 'Oja MAP!!' made waves again with its recent revival, celebrating seven years since it last aired. The special broadcast, which took place on January 4, 2025, brought together original hosts Shingo Katori and Hiroyuki Yamazaki, who thrilled fans with nostalgic sketches and challenges.
Initially aired from 2012 until its conclusion in March 2018, 'Oja MAP!!' became synonymous with fun and engaging travel formats, capturing hearts across all generations. Viewers were delighted to see the iconic duo back at it again, reminiscing about their time on the show and embracing the spirit of camaraderie they built over the years.
During the hour-long special, Shingo Katori shared his emotions right from the start, saying, "Zaki-yama-san, thank you very much!" as he bowed deeply to Yamazaki, demonstrating their long-standing friendship. The pair hosted several activities, including epic food challenges where they attempted to finish ten pots of rice paired with local delicacies.
This episode focused on Tokyo's enchanting Ueno district, known for its rich food culture, introducing viewers to numerous must-try eateries. The cast, which included notable guests like actor Kōji Yamamoto and model Ai Tominaga, searched for the 'perfect sides' to accompany their ten pots of rice on this gastronomic quest.
Fans on social media erupted with excitement, reflecting on the unforgettable moments of the previous seasons. Many expressed their heartfelt wishes for the show to return more regularly, one user cheerfully noting, "I hope it becomes regular again!" The excitement for the show’s comeback only highlights the lasting impression ‘Oja MAP!!’ has made on Japanese television.
Katori and Yamazaki also struck candid notes during the broadcast, with humorous and unexpected revelations. While exploring one beloved establishment known for its pickles, Nobuko revealed she descends from the Tokugawa family, leading Katori to question, "What does this mean?" to which Yamazaki humorously replied, "The descendants of Tokugawa Ieyasu are rich, right?" Their banter added to the lighthearted atmosphere of the show, reminding viewers why they liked this pairing.
The emotional response from fans was palpable, with many reminiscing about their favorite episodes under hashtags like #OjaMapReturn. Social media abounded with comments such as, "an unexpected revival after all these years is amazing!" and "I shed tears from nostalgia watching this!" This speaks volumes about the connection ‘Oja MAP!!’ has with the audience and its ability to evoke fond memories.
Winding down the episode, Katori expressed his gratitude, invoking hopes for the future of the show, saying, "It’s been 7 years since we aired!" indicating anticipation for more adventures if the show were to continue. The camaraderie between Katori and Yamazaki remains as infectious as ever, fueling speculation and hope for more appearances.
This one-time revival was not just entertainment; it was also emblematic of the evolution of variety shows and their ability to bring nostalgia to the forefront of Japanese media culture. 'Oja MAP!!' stands as proof of how cherished moments can create lifelong loyalties among audiences. Whether this marks the start of regular broadcasts or stands alone as a reunion special, the love fans have for the show is certain to endure.