TV Asahi’s variety show “Azatokute nani ga warui no?” will come to an end on September 24, 2026, bringing its six-year run as a regular program to a close.
First broadcast as a special in September 2019 before becoming a regular series in October 2020, the show originally featured Ryota Yamasato, Minami Tanaka and TV Asahi announcer Ayaka Hironaka as its MCs, exploring the many sides of "azatoi" (cunningly cute) behavior through conversations about romance, relationships and social dynamics.
Following Tanaka and Hironaka’s departure, Airi Suzuki joined Yamasato as a new MC in October 2023. Airi had already been closely connected to the program as a longtime viewer, guest and actress in its Azato Ren Dora drama segments before unexpectedly finding herself taking over the role previously shared by the two former hosts.
Reflecting on the show’s upcoming conclusion, Airi spoke openly about the pressure she felt when joining the MC team.
She explained that, precisely because she had loved the program so much as a fan, she constantly wondered how she could help viewers continue to enjoy it. Despite still feeling inexperienced in both variety television and in wielding what she jokingly called the “weapon” of azatoi, she expressed deep gratitude to the staff who helped her grow and to Yamasato, who listened to her worries and continuously supported her.
Airi also thanked the viewers who have continued to love the show, saying that she wants to carry that gratitude with her through the remaining broadcasts and deliver the program wholeheartedly until the very end.
“I hope to keep delivering it to you with that gratitude in my heart right until the very end.”
Before the finale, the show will welcome special guests for four consecutive weeks beginning September 3, including several familiar faces from past episodes. For the final broadcast on September 24, Minami Tanaka will return for the first time in around three years and reunite with Ayaka Hironaka, reviving the program’s original “strongest azatoi duo.”
The show will also hold one final major live event this summer. “Azatokute nani ga warui no? Natsu no saikyou azato song LIVE” will take place at SGC Hall Ariake on August 21, marking the third edition of the event and its largest venue to date.
Alongside Yamasato, Airi and Hironaka, the event will feature performances and special collaborations involving several guests and artists. Airi herself enthusiastically teased her participation in her message:
“I’m gonna singgggg!!!!!”
She ended on an optimistic note, describing it as “a summer that surely won’t be the last” and inviting fans to enjoy it together.
The August 21 event will also be broadcast exclusively live on CS TV Asahi Channel 2 from 7:00 PM JST.