It has been revealed that "Chihara Junior no Zaou" (Kansai TV), a popular variety show hosted by comedian Chihara Junior, has signed a format agreement with Banijay Entertainment, one of the world's largest production company groups, in order to expand globally. Through a production network consisting of approximately 130 production companies in 25 countries and regions worldwide, local versions will be produced, broadcast, and distributed.
Junior's "Zaou" is a "comedy mixed martial arts" competition where contestants compete with short skits, rather than elaborate routines like stand-up comedy, skits, or solo acts. A game of musical chairs is played with an improvisational skit theme, and the comedian who doesn't get a seat nominates someone they believe they can beat on that theme. The nominated comedian then performs a skit based on the theme written on their chair, and the head judge determines which of the two is funnier. The last one standing is crowned "Zaou".
Kansai TV and Yoshimoto Kogyo, which handles the sales of the "Zaou" format, have signed a contract with Banijay. Junior said, "I think this is a format that can be enjoyed with confidence overseas as well, so I hope it will become a program that many people can enjoy."
