Japan's TV Screens Ablaze: 'First Terrestrial Broadcasts' Drive Massive Social Media Buzz

The phrase "first terrestrial broadcast" is drawing significant attention on social media. From the first TV broadcast of popular films to artists performing their latest songs, a multitude of content is continuously appearing on terrestrial television, exciting fans.

Particularly generating buzz are the first terrestrial broadcasts of movies announced since the beginning of February. On February 20th, the hugely successful live-action film "Golden Kamuy" made its terrestrial debut on "Kin'yō Road Show," followed by a special edited drama version, "Golden Kamuy: Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoner Scramble Arc," broadcast consecutively the following week on February 27th. This project, commemorating the release of the latest film, has generated high expectations from many fans. Furthermore, "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" (Shin Evangelion Gekijōban) was slated for its terrestrial premiere on February 23rd, and "Cells at Work!" (Hataraku Saibō) on January 30th, both providing good news for viewers who missed them or fans who wish to re-enjoy the works. There are even requests from some for the terrestrial broadcast of "Tengaramon," starring the late Haruma Miura, and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

The topic of "first terrestrial broadcast" is also ceaseless in the music scene. On the February 2nd broadcast of "CDTV Live! Live!", Number_i made their full terrestrial debut performance of their digital single "3XL," captivating viewers with their stable vocals and dance, and a performance described as "cuteness overload." Fans showered them with praise, commenting "they were cute" and "they're stable," with attention also drawn to their costumes, such as heart necklaces. On the same program, Snow Man performed their new song "STARS" for the first time on terrestrial TV, Hey! Say! JUMP performed "Honey Kami," and SUPER BEAVER performed "Sanzen," the theme song for the movie "Gintama," also for the first time on terrestrial TV. Snow Man's performance, in particular, moved many viewers to tears, with comments like "the members' talk and the lyrics combined evoke so many emotions, it makes you cry." Furthermore, Tomohisa Yamashita's first appearance on "with MUSIC" was announced, where he would perform "The Artist" for the first time on terrestrial TV, along with his hit song "Daite Senorita," raising fan anticipation.

In addition, "first terrestrial broadcast" moments are occurring across various genres, such as Stray Kids (SKZ) appearing on their first Korean terrestrial variety show on KBS, and Mio Matono's first terrestrial appearance on "Love It!". Through television, more people are getting opportunities to encounter new entertainment, and each time, social media lights up with excitement.

The Context

"Chijōha hatsu" (地上波初), meaning "first terrestrial broadcast," is a significant phrase in Japanese media. Terrestrial television refers to free-to-air channels like NHK, Nippon TV, TBS, Fuji TV, TV Asahi, and TV Tokyo, which reach the vast majority of households across Japan without a subscription. Unlike cable, satellite, or streaming services, terrestrial TV offers universal accessibility. For popular movies, dramas, and music performances, a "terrestrial premiere" is a major event because it makes content available to the broadest possible audience, including those who may not subscribe to paid services or have attended live events or cinema screenings. This broad exposure often leads to widespread discussion on social media, reigniting interest in older works or amplifying excitement for new releases. Programs like "Kin'yō Road Show" (a popular Friday night movie slot) and "CDTV Live! Live!" (a major music program) are key platforms for these highly anticipated terrestrial debuts.