What Did Children Watch on Saturday Night in Japan?
During the Shōwa era, the most popular programs were animated folk tales, quiz shows, and comedies
In my last article, I wrote about Japanese Shōwa-era golden oldies songs. In this post, I write about the TV programs Shōwa-generation children enjoyed, particularly during prime time on Saturday night.
Animated Japanese Folk Tales
Manga Nippon Mukashi Bahanshi (Animated Japanese Folk Tales) aired from 7 PM on Saturday night from 1975 to 1994. This 30-minute program consisted of 2 folk tales (two 15-minute episodes) with a total of about 1470 episodes with attractive storytelling and narration.
The opening theme of this program, titled Japanese Folk Tales, is such a catchy tune that every Japanese remembers it.
Please enjoy the video of the theme song.
The closing theme song of the program, titled How Wonderful People Are!, is also a catchy and popular song.
Please enjoy the video of the closing song.
Quiz Derby
Quiz Derby aired from 7:30 PM on Saturday from 1976 to 1992. This program was hosted by Ohashi Kyosen, a Japanese television writer who later served as a member of the House of Councilors in the Diet (Japanese Parliament).
The show was the Japanese version of Celebrity Sweepstakes — a quiz show where participants bet points on one of the regular show personalities answering the question correctly.
Hara Taira, a Japanese cartoonist and essayist, and Shinozawa Hideo, a professor of French literature at Gakushuin University, were frequent personalities who often scored high points.
Participants often said, “I’ll bet all my points on Hara Taira!”
Please enjoy this video of the show with Hara Taira and Shinozawa Hideo appearing as personalities.
It’s 8 O’clock! Everybody, Get Together
Hachiji Dayo Zenin Shūgo (It’s 8 O’clock! Everybody, Get Together) was a comedy variety show that aired from 1969 to 1985. This show was hugely popular across Japan.
In this show, The Drifters, a Japanese comedy group consisting of Ikariya Chōsuke (leader), Katō Cha, Takagi Boo, Arai Chū, Nakamoto Kōji, and Shimura Ken, performed comedy skits every weekend, leading the whole nation to laughter.
Katō Cha and Shimura Ken were particularly popular. The pair did things that made Ikariya angry and made everyone laugh.
Shimura Ken died from Covid in March 2020, sending shock waves throughout the country.
Please enjoy the following videos of the famous opening and closing theme songs.
Saturday nights were full of enjoyable entertainment for children and adults. More nostalgia for the “good ole’ days” of economic growth during the Shōwa era.
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