SMAP×SMAP
| SMAPxSMAP | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also known as | 'SmaSma (suma-suma)' |
| Genre | Variety show |
| Starring | SMAP |
| Music by | SMAP |
| Opening theme | "Otherside" |
| Ending theme | "Not Alone ~Shiawase ni Narō yo~" |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Original language(s) | Japanese |
| No. of episodes | 920 |
| Production | |
| Location(s) | Wangan Studio (Tokyo) |
| Camera setup | Multiple |
| Running time | 54 minutes (with commercials) |
| Distributor | KTV, Fuji TV |
| Release | |
| Original network | Fuji TV Channel 8 |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
| Original release | April 15, 1996 – December 26, 2016 |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | Baby Smap |
| External links | |
| Website | |
SMAP×SMAP, often referred to simply as Sma-Sma was a Japanese television variety show hosted by boy band SMAP. Debuting on April 15, 1996, it was produced by Kansai TV and Fuji TV and airs on Fuji TV every Monday from 10:00 p.m. to 10:54 p.m. (JST).
Since its premiere, the show has been critically acclaimed for its originality and unique, distinct format and has become an iconic television show in Japan. It quickly became the most watched television program, attracting an average of 20 million viewers per episode, often ranking at #1 in year-end ratings. It has become the show that features the widest range of guests in Japanese television history, including actors, singers, models, athletes, filmmakers, and politicians, both Japanese and from abroad. It is the eighth longest-running prime-time television program in Japan and the second longest-running prime-time television program on Fuji Television.
From April 10, 1995, SMAP began starring in their variety show, SMAP no Gambarimashou, which aired every weeknights, until September 29, 1995. It consisted of interviews with celebrities, sketch comedies, and musical performances. The program's format became the basis for their new variety show, SMAPxSMAP, and served as its predecessor. SMAPxSMAP was launched six months after Gambarimashou ended and became the band's first television program on a prime-time slot.
The title of the program was derived from the film New York, New York (1977). The first episode aired on April 15, 1996. Mori later announced his departure from the band and SMAP made their last television appearance as a six-piece on May 27, 1996, in a special episode dedicated to Mori. From then on, the band has hosted the show as a five-piece.
Each episode is usually composed of three segments, "Bistro SMAP", a second segment which varies every week, and "S-Live".
A cooking-themed interview segment, which airs during the first half of the program, usually lasting from 25 to 30 minutes. It has been airing from the first episode since the program's launch in 1996.
The set is of a two-story restaurant, a kitchen on the ground floor and a dining room on the top. Nakai plays the role of the manager of the restaurant, serving as the host of the segment. Kimura, Inagaki, Kusanagi, and Katori are divided into two teams and play the role of the chefs. Nakai first asks the guest's name in which they made their reservation and brings him or her to the table. The segment's premise appears on the screen:
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Wikipedia