Japan’s TV series Amachan on TV5 starting October

MANILA, Philippines - TV5 recently signed an affiliation agreement with Japan Broadcasting Corporation, NHK, to telecast  one of Japan’s highest-rating dramas in 2013, Amachan.

TV5 representatives, including CEO Noel Lorenzana, and Japan International Broadcasting, Inc. president and CEO Yoshihiko Shimizu participated in a Japanese traditional sake toast ceremony, during the contract signing event held at The Palace Pool Club in Bonifacio Global City to celebrate the newly-forged partnership. Representatives from both parties also carried out the symbolic floating of sea urchin lanterns in connection to the major elements used in the drama-comedy series.

Amachan is an upbeat drama with moments of comedy about the journey of high-schooler Aki, played by popular Japanese actress Rena N?nen, in pursuing her dreams of becoming an “ama,” a Japanese traditional free-diver of seafood, particularly of sea urchins in the series, and a pop idol. The series is set in the Tohoku region of Japan, which endured the biggest blow of the devastating tsunami disaster in 2011.

To make it more exciting, a live variety show, Hallo Hallo Café, hosted by Yachang, will also pilot alongside Amachan as an after-show component. Hallo Hallo Café, presented and sponsored by Hallo Hallo, Inc. and the Cool Japan Shop, will not only feature fun games but also give viewers a chance to win thousands of prizes. Viewers simply have to register for free on hallohallo.com to become eligible for the prizes up for grabs as seen in the after-show. Registered hallohallo.com users can also earn up to 10 million points by simply watching the show and being on the lookout for the daily keyword, which equates to points that can eventually turn into prizes.

Amachan premieres October on TV5 with a 30-minute episode, Mondays to Fridays, with fresh episodes in the morning and a replay at night. — VER PAULINO