On March 6th, Fuji TV announced that a new music program, "STAR" (Thursdays at 7pm, two-hour special premiere), hosted by the station's announcer Kotaro Kamigaki, will begin airing on April 16th. This will be the first time in 10 years that a music program showcasing singing performances will be broadcast in the station's prime time slot, since "Wednesday Music Festival" which aired from April to September 2015.
The program brings together the music team that produces the "FNS Song Festival" and the entertainment team from "Mezamashi TV," who are well-versed in entertainment information, to deliver the latest performances by popular artists and timely entertainment news all at once.
In addition to high-quality live music performances by "STAR" music entertainment artists, including singing, dancing, rap, and musicals, "Mezamashi Entertainment" will broadcast all kinds of entertainment information, including music, anime, movies, and stage shows, at the speed of an information program. Along with MC Uegaki, it has also been decided that artists and actors will act as "STAR Navigators" to host the show.
◇Comment from announcer Kotaro Kamigaki
--What were your honest thoughts when you heard that you would be the MC for the new music program "STAR"?
I can't believe it! I was surprised that they chose me. It's my third year with the company, so I still have a lot to learn, but I never thought I'd be entrusted with a new music program like this. I was really surprised!
--A music program will be produced by a combined team consisting of the music team that works on the "FNS Music Festival" and the entertainment team from "Mezamashi TV." As an MC, what kind of program would you like to create, Kamigaki-san, who is also a member of the "Mezamashi TV family"?
I deliver a variety of information every day on "Mezamashi TV," and especially on "Mezamashi Doyoubi," I also deliver entertainment information, so I hope to be able to deliver what only I can in the 7 p.m. Thursday slot. I hope that the morning slot of "Mezamashi TV" and the evening slot of "STAR" will work hand in hand, delivering new information in each time slot.
--Please tell us your ideal image of an MC.
As an MC, I want to keep in mind that I want to be an MC who is considerate in many ways, so that not only the fans of the singer will enjoy watching, but also those who are not will enjoy watching. If I had to name one senior at Fuji TV's Announcement Department, I would say that I would like to be an MC like announcer Shinichi Karube someday. Thank you, Karube-san!
--Do you like music? When do you usually listen to music?
I love people's voices, so I also love music. I became a news announcer because I was so interested in voices. I hope that by doing this program I can deepen my understanding of why we want to listen to people's voices all the time. I often listen to music when I have had a good night's sleep. When I wake up in the morning and feel satisfied that I had slept well, I often think, "I'd like to listen to a song like this," and listen to music. I like Showa-era pop songs and new music, so I particularly like the songs of Yumi Matsutoya.
- Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to the broadcast.
A new music program will be launched on Thursdays at 7pm. I want to challenge myself to see if I can convey in my own heartfelt words how I feel about the songs. I hope that this program will spread the word that "such a fascinating song was introduced on STAR!" and that it will be the start of a new wave of music. I hope that viewers will be able to relax and enjoy the program, so please tune in!
◇General Director: Aya Hamasaki (Fuji Television Studio 2)
After 10 years of longing, we're finally getting a prime-time music program! Music is a mirror that reflects the times. Television has a responsibility to record the times. While Fuji TV boasts music programs like "MUSIC FAIR" and "FNS Music Festival," which we're proud of, the lack of a regular prime-time music program has created a 10-year "blank period." "STAR" will deliver every moment as today's shining stars sing, dance, and perform. It will also feature a wide variety of entertainment news, including not only music but also anime, movies, and stage productions. The entire staff is dedicated to making this a shining star among Fuji TV's many programs.
