If you're a fan of 90s Japanese variety shows, then the name "Flame Challenger" probably rings a bell. This legendary program, which originally aired from 1995 to 2000, is making a grand comeback as a special episode after a 25-year hiatus! Mark your calendars: it's set to air on January 12, 2026.
Back in the day, the show was hosted by the comedy duo Ucchan Nanchan (Uchimura Teruyoshi and Nanbara Kiyotaka). However, this special comeback episode will only feature Nanbara Kiyotaka, who will be joined by Fuma Kikuchi from the idol group timelesz. It's a bit of a bittersweet moment for long-time fans, who might miss the original duo.
But hold up, because the official word is that this special is getting a massive upgrade across the board! Not only are they bringing in a roster of super-luxurious celebrity guests, but the prize money has also skyrocketed from 1 million to a whopping 10 million yen! Get ready to see some of the entertainment industry's fiercest talents step up as "Challengers" to tackle four intense competitions.
And here's a sneak peek at the first challenge: the iconic "Electric Maze," which captivated kids and swept the nation back in the day, is making a grand, upgraded return!
While it's not a regular series, "Flame Challenger" is undoubtedly a core memory for veteran Japanese variety show fans. With this special comeback episode, everyone's buzzing to see what kind of challenges await and which celebrities will step up to claim that 10 million yen prize. Stay tuned for more official announcements!
via： 朝日電視台官網