8TV, Primeworks Studios Sdn. Bhd. (PWS) and Metropolitan TV Sdn. Bhd. (8TV) are proud to introduce “Ho Chak! In Japan”—a special program borne out of their co-development and co-production efforts with Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV) and Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd. (FJC). The show, titled “Ho Chak” which means “delicious” in the Hokkien dialect, is set to air on Malaysia free-to-air TV station, 8TV in November 2017. This project was selected by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as part of its “Business Development Projects to Promote Overseas Expansion of Broadcasting Content” initiative, which aims to revitalize regional economies. Adhering to that mission, the program will focus on Japanese food and will feature epicurean delights from not only various regions in Japan, but also in Malaysia.

　“Ho Chak!” debuted on Malaysian airwaves in 2006 and has been receiving high acclaim from the country’s Chinese community for over a decade. Traditionally, Ho Chak! showcases various dishes and even reveals secrets on how to prepare them like a pro. And now, “Ho Chak! In Japan” will present a series with a total of ten episodes. Two-thirds of each episode will be filmed on location in various sites in Japan such as Sapporo, Fukuoka, Beppu, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Osaka. The remaining one-third of each episode will feature various Japanese restaurants in Malaysia, together with Ms. Noriko Kitamura, chef at the Japanese ambassador’s residence.

　The program aims to reach the Chinese communities in Southeast Asia and the rest of the world in the Chinese language. Moreover, “Ho Chak! In Japan” will incorporate higher SNS engagement as compared to the past. Social media influencers will travel to all the location sites and, through their SNS accounts and the “Fun! Japan” website, give real-time updates in Chinese on the unique charms of Japanese food and culture while each episode is being broadcast, including the keyword #hochakinjapan in their postings.

　What is Fun! Japan? It is a web media that shares everything amazing about Japan mainly to the other countries in Asia. It has over 4.1 million fans on Facebook and over 43,000 members on its website. The service is currently available in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

　Nippon TV and Primeworks Studios have co-produced programs that introduce Japan to the world in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The fourth of its kind in as many years, this project will not only build upon the team’s experience and expertise—it will also embark on a fresh twist that provides an information-rich program application and puts SNS to maximum use. Weibo blogger Ms. Belly will also be accompanying the hosts in all the Japanese location sites. Travel and food blog PlacesAndFoods.com will cover the Malaysian location sites. Count on them to post interesting pictures and information on what happens behind the scenes as well as juicy details that did not make it on air.

■ “Ho Chak! In Japan ” Broadcast Details for All 10 Episodes

・Broadcaster: 8TV (Malaysia)
・Broadcast Schedule: 5 November 2017 – 7 January 2018, Every Sunday, 6:00pm – 6:30pm
・Program Overview:
In each episode, host Gary Yap and Orange Tan will find delicious dishes, reveal secret flavorings used by chefs, and give tips on how to cook like a pro. In Japan, they will showcase regional recipes and partake in unique local experiences such as fruit picking, the Yamakasa Festival, and creating their own okonomiyaki concoction.
・Program App: Ho Chak! App
・Production Support: AX-ON Inc. (Nippon TV affiliate)
・In Cooperation With:
City of Sapporo, Fukuoka Prefectural Government, Beppu City,
Hiroshima Prefecture, and Okayama Prefecture Government
Isetan The Japan Store Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), dentsu X (Malaysia), JTB Corp., Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., West Japan Railway Company, The Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd.,
Hiroshima Television Corporation, Fukuoka Broadcasting Corporation, Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Embassy of Malaysia in Japan