SMAP×SMAP
Encyclopedia
SMAP×SMAP is an ongoing weekly Japanese variety show
on Kansai TV
and Fuji TV
starring the members of SMAP
. The show began on April 15, 1996 and it airs from 22:00 to 22:54 (JST) every Monday. The show's usual rating is higher than 20%, which is considered high since most variety shows range from 10-20%.
, is the host (or the waiter), and other four members of SMAP are split into two teams. On some special occasions, other member of SMAP become the host so Nakai can be part of the team and cook. Guests are able to order anything they want, then each team will face each other cooking the best meal for the guests. Once the guests have tried out both team's meal, both guests chooses the winner. The winning team receives gifts, or a kiss on the cheek if the guest is female.
In a rehearsal, Michael Jackson
showed up as a surprise to the group and was interviewed (a translator was by his side). The footage was later used as a television special.
Japanese variety show
Japanese variety show is a entertainment television program made up of a variety of original stunts, musical performances, comedy skits, quiz contests, and other acts.-Current situation:...
on Kansai TV
Kansai Telecasting Corporation
, often called or , is a TV station affiliated with Fuji News Network and Fuji Network System in Osaka, serving the Kansai region of Japan...
and Fuji TV
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
starring the members of SMAP
SMAP
SMAP is a Japanese boy band formed by Johnny & Associates. While originally consisting of six members, the current group members are Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori...
. The show began on April 15, 1996 and it airs from 22:00 to 22:54 (JST) every Monday. The show's usual rating is higher than 20%, which is considered high since most variety shows range from 10-20%.
Bistro SMAP
Bistro SMAP, usually the first half of the show, features SMAP members cooking for celebrity guests who are invited to the show (there are usually two guests). SMAP leader, Masahiro NakaiMasahiro Nakai
is a singer, actor and host for music events and variety shows such as the long-running music show Utaban. He is the leader of the Japanese idol group SMAP.-Early life:...
, is the host (or the waiter), and other four members of SMAP are split into two teams. On some special occasions, other member of SMAP become the host so Nakai can be part of the team and cook. Guests are able to order anything they want, then each team will face each other cooking the best meal for the guests. Once the guests have tried out both team's meal, both guests chooses the winner. The winning team receives gifts, or a kiss on the cheek if the guest is female.
Comedic skits and games
Second half of the show features SMAP members acting in comedic skits, usually a parody of other FujiTV shows, anime or manga, trends, or comedian actings. There are usually other celebrities participating in the skit, and various games in some occasions.Musical performance
The last section of the show features various musical groups and artists, collaborating with SMAP. SMAP briefly interviews the groups or artists (recorded after they've performed) then sings their song, usually a medley, and sometimes with SMAP's song. Usually when SMAP's new single is close to being released or has released, they sing their own song as a promotion.In a rehearsal, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
showed up as a surprise to the group and was interviewed (a translator was by his side). The footage was later used as a television special.