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Lighthouse (talk show) 2023
A Japanese variety talk show, Lighthouse, features musician Gen Hoshino and comedian Masayasu Wakabayashi as hosts. The program has Hoshino and Wakabayashi meeting monthly at various locations over a six-month span, discussing personal concerns with help from written reflections. During this time, Hoshino composed six songs that serve as the show's opening and closing themes.
The idea for the series originated with television producer Sakuma after he observed Hoshino guest appearing on Wakabayashi’s variety program Achikochi Audrey. Inspired by Japanese television drama formats, Sakuma envisioned a format where the hosts would evolve over time, initially planning a one-year duration similar to Gen Hoshino and Masayasu Wakabayashi's One Year. Due to scheduling issues, the filming period was shortened to six months, and the show was renamed Lighthouse, also applying this name to the hosting duo. Production started in October 2022, emphasizing humor alongside serious topics.
Lighthouse premiered globally on Netflix on August 22, 2023, consisting of six episodes. Japanese critics responded favorably, appreciating its presentation style, thematic depth, and the hosts' performances. Western critics noted that the program may be more suited to Japanese viewers. Hoshino’s musical contributions were released as an extended play (EP) titled Lighthouse on September 8, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart.
Crew
- Director
- Masanori Ueno
- Producer
- Nobuyuki Sakuma, Yōko Usui, Takeshi Arita
Details
- Network
- Netflix
