The panel “Japanese Format Showcase – Treasure Box Japan”, presented by BEAJ at Hi5 Studio, offered a vibrant overview of the latest offerings from Japanese television in the field of unscripted entertainment. With a setting that resembled a news studio, the event attracted a record number of buyers, the session brought together Virginia Mouseler (CEO, The Wit), Tim Crescenti (President, Small World IFT), Vasha Wallace (EVP Global Acquisitions and Development, Fremantle) and Makito Sugiyama (BEAJ), who highlighted the energy, creativity and global potential of new Japanese formats.
During the presentation, ten Japanese networks revealed their latest productions, including Sumo King (TV Tokyo), which combines the ancient tradition of sumo with the adrenaline rush of competitive video gaming. Its creator, Mariko Maeda, noted that the show, which premiered a month ago, has already received excellent reviews and aims to become an international flagship format.
Another of the most talked-about proposals was I Doubt It’ (Fuji Television), a psychological comedy in which celebrities must decide whether their peers are lying or telling the truth. With a simple structure, fast pace and great adaptation potential, the format focuses on humor and tension in equal measure.
NHK Enterprises presented Just Circle It, an interactive game show where families play both in the studio and from home, integrating television and streaming in real time. Its educational and multigenerational approach sparked interest among international buyers.
The showcase also included titles such as Mega Catch (Nippon TV / Gyokuro Studio), Love Time Travel (TV Asahi), a romantic reality show that takes participants to different decades, and other innovative formats such as Wait What!? (ABC TV), Reform Horror House (MBS), Infinite Loop (TBS), The Laughing Throne (Kansai TV), and 6 Gens Game (Yomiuri TV).
