A.B.C-Z Ignites Fan Frenzy with 7-Year Radio Comeback on Nippon Broadcasting

Popular idol group A.B.C-Z is making a long-awaited return to Nippon Broadcasting with all four members for a special program, 'A.B.C-Z Ebi Radi,' after seven years. The announcement has sparked an outpouring of joy from fans on social media.

This highly anticipated radio show is scheduled to air on Friday, January 9, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM. It marks the first time in seven years that A.B.C-Z will host a special program on Nippon Broadcasting with all members present. Following the announcement from member Ryoichi Tsukada and the group's official X (formerly Twitter) account, fans flooded social media with excited comments such as "So happy about the radio!" "We've been waiting for a radio show with all four members 😭," and "This is pure joy 😭." Many also expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you for the wonderful New Year's gift!" perceiving it as a delightful surprise for the new year.

The program is set to thoroughly revisit A.B.C-Z's journey over their 13 years since debut. Member comments suggest it was "probably the most exciting thing this year," and fans are eagerly anticipating their lively and boisterous ("wacha-wacha") talk. Special attention is also being drawn to Shota Totsuka's "chatter."

Fans have shown immense anticipation for the four-member radio reunion after seven years, with comments ranging from meticulous observations like "There's purple in the middle 🥹🥹🥹" (referring to a specific member's color) to desires for regularization, such as "Is one hour enough? You can air it every week, you know? ☺️." On the other hand, some expressed surprise at the late announcement, asking, "Why didn't they tell us sooner!!!" and "Is it tomorrow????"

In past 'Ebi Radi' episodes, the group revealed stories like members having staring contests (niramikko). It's expected that this special broadcast will also feature A.B.C-Z's unique segment ideas and unpretentious discussions, making it a perfect Friday night experience for fans.

The context

A.B.C-Z is a popular Japanese male idol group formed under Johnny & Associates (now known as STARTO ENTERTAINMENT), a major talent agency in Japan. They debuted in 2012. The group is known for its acrobatic performances and strong stage presence, with "A.B.C-Z" being an acronym for "Acrobatic Boys Club-Z."

Radio appearances are highly valued by Japanese idol fans as they offer a more intimate and unscripted glimpse into the members' personalities and interactions compared to television or live performances. A seven-year hiatus for a full-group radio appearance on a major station like Nippon Broadcasting is a significant event, explaining the immense excitement among fans. Nippon Broadcasting is one of Japan's most prominent commercial radio stations, known for its extensive lineup of music, talk, and news programs, often featuring popular entertainers.

The term "wacha-wacha" (わちゃわちゃ) is a Japanese onomatopoeic or mimetic word used to describe a lively, boisterous, sometimes chaotic but fun atmosphere or conversation, often implying a group of people interacting energetically and happily. "Niramikko" (にらめっこ) is a traditional Japanese game of staring to make the opponent laugh, similar to a staring contest. The mention of "purple in the middle" likely refers to a fan's affection for a specific member, possibly based on their assigned color within the group.

The enthusiasm for the show, coupled with the surprise at the late announcement ("Is it tomorrow????"), indicates that while the broadcast date is officially January 9, 2026, the announcement itself might have been very close to the date (if it were in late 2025 or early 2026), or fans might have misinterpreted an initial, less specific announcement.