Akita Broadcasting System, Inc.
ABS (Akita Broadcasting System, Inc.) was established as Radio Tohoku Broadcasting Co., Ltd in 1953. We also started television broadcasting in 1960 and changed the company name to ABS.
ABS-TV, affiliated with Nippon TV Network, broadcasts a variety of TV programs including news, sports, and other cultural or entertainment programs. ABS is the No.1 TV station in Akita in terms of viewing rate (from 6:00 am to 12:00 am) for 12 years.
Akita prefecture, in the northeast region of Japan, is abundant in beautiful natural resources and traditional festivals. Also, Akita is famous for its native dog called “Akita dog.” Because we are the oldest commercial TV station in Akita, we have been producing so many programs that closely cover people, culture, events, food, and the nature of Akita.
7-1-1-2, Nakadori, Akita City, Akita Prefecture, 010-8611, Japan
October 20, 1953
Contact(s)
Mariko Nakamura
Growth Strategy Department
Programs
Akita Sake and Beauty Selection
ぷちくら～秋田の酒と美人たち～
Akita is famous for various local specialties. Especially, Akita’s sake is exceptional! Also, it has been believed that women living in Akita are generally beautiful. They are called “Akita beauty.”
Through this program, you can discover both special sake and beauty of Akita. In every episode, an A...
ぼなぺてぃ。～召し上がれ！秋田のお菓子たち～
Utano Aoi, 23 years old, works at a small design company in Akita as the new designer. She moved to Akita this spring from Tokyo.
She is struggling with her unaccustomed lifestyle since moving from the city to the countryside. But there is the reassuring presence for Aoi: Akita sweets! They are the...
Sentimental Blue Flag: Woodblock Artist Shuzo Ikeda's Heritage
センチメンタルの青い旗～木版画家 池田修三が遺したもの～
Shuzo Ikeda (1922-2004) was born in Kisakata town, Akita. He worked on woodblock print, moku hanga, as his primary artistic pursuit.
The characteristics of his work are brilliant color usage, pop design, and emotionally rich, simple, and warm style. Distinctive depictions of girls are sometimes cal...
Special Night of Nishimonai Bon Odori
幾月夜纏ひて 羽後町・西馬音内の盆踊
Nishimonai Bon Odori is the traditional festival of Bon dance held every August in Ugo town, Akita. For over 700 years, the festival has been the purpose of life for the local people. In 2022, Nishimonai Bon Odori was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a part of the "Furyu-odor...
なまはげの古里
For long years, the Namahage have been believed to be the incarnations of deities in Oga, Akita. On New Year’s Eve, they descend from the sacred mountains and visit house-to-house to warn children against misconducts crying "any bad kids?" At the same time, they give blessings to the residents. In 2...
Tone of Hope: Teizo's Broken Shakuhachi
貞蔵さんの割れた尺八～シベリア抑留1000日 命を紡いだ尺八と民謡～
Minyo is the traditional Japanese folk song based on daily life of local people and nature. Akita is said to be the treasure trove of minyo because more than 1000 minyo songs have been born there. It flourished in 1970s, but after the boom, the number of performers and fans has been decreasing. Also...
チョコプラあきたメシ～どんだけ～！？な秋田新米満腹旅～
Akita is one of the most famous rice-producing regions in Japan. In fall, people in Akita enjoy eating new rice with their favorite dishes.
The popular Japanese comedian duo "Chocolate Planet" visit Akita for the first time to eat unique dishes going well with Akita's new rice. They also meet uniqu...
What’s the Best Akita Food!? vol.2
チョコプラアキタメシ VOL.2～絶品！定番！B級も！今年も食べますご当地グルメ！～
Chocopla came to Akita again! This is the 2nd episode of What's the Best Akita Food!? This time, Chocolate Planet cannot eat Akita food unless they win various games.
Some new characters appear and cheer Chocopla, like professional basketball players, Namahage, and Akita beauty. Also, Chocopla's fr...
What’s the Best Akita Food!? vol.3
チョコプラアキタカモスメシ～エビ中＆東北産秋田ロケ！藤あや子も太鼓判！長田も松尾もSHELLYも驚がく！秋田醸造ウマイモノSP！～
The 3rd episode of What's the Best Akita Food!? focuses on the traditional fermented food in Akita. The members of two idol groups research the various fermented foods of Akita like fish sauce, natto, sake, and so on, and give a presentation to Chocopla. A chef cooks new dishes using those ingredien...
木づかいの宝
Akita prefecture is abundant in natural resources; wood is one of them. There are a lot of wooden architectures in Akita that are historically valuable.
This program introduces you over 100 old wooden architectures in Tohoku region, mostly in Akita. You would be fascinated by the majestic beauty of...
