Nippon TV Launches Celebrity-Driven Quiz Show "The Floor" with Okada Junichi

Nippon TV has announced the premiere of its Japanese adaptation of the international quiz format "The Floor," produced by Talpa Studios. Scheduled for broadcast on March 28, the three-hour prime-time special will feature an all-celebrity cast of 32 contestants, marking the format's debut in Asia after successful launches in over 30 countries worldwide.

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Unlike other international versions, the Japanese edition of "The Floor" will exclusively feature celebrity participants, creating a unique twist that sets it apart from its global counterparts. Contestants will engage in head-to-head visual quiz duels on a large LED floor divided into 32 sections, with each battle centered around a contestant's area of expertise. The ultimate winner will receive a cash prize of JPY10 million yen (approximately $63,000).

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Okada Junichi, a prominent Japanese actor known for his role in the Netflix series "Last Samurai Standing," will serve as the host of the show. This marks his first experience in quiz hosting. Okada expressed his surprise and excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing the intense atmosphere of the competition and the enjoyment of the contestants. Hisamichi Megumi, senior manager of programming and platform strategy at Nippon TV, highlighted Okada's ability to balance tension and support, making him an ideal choice for the role of "Game Master."

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The launch of "The Floor" in Japan is seen as a significant milestone for both Nippon TV and the quiz format itself. Sebastian van Barneveld, director of global distribution at Talpa Studios, noted Japan's distinctive entertainment market and the format's adaptability across cultures. The all-celebrity version is expected to resonate with Japanese audiences, showcasing the flexibility of the quiz format.

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Hisamichi Megumi stated that the show's broad intergenerational appeal and suspenseful gameplay were key factors in its commissioning. She expressed confidence in Okada's ability to elevate the Japanese edition. Van Barneveld remarked, “Japan is one of Asia’s most distinctive markets... making it a real milestone for ‘The Floor’ to launch here.”

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As Nippon TV prepares for the premiere, the network is also focusing on expanding its content offerings. The company has established Gyokuro Studio for unscripted programming and opened a business office in Los Angeles to enhance its global co-development and sales efforts.

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• “As an actor I never imagined that I would have the honor of becoming the host of a global quiz show, so Nippon TV’s opportunity truly surprised me, for most of my recent work on TV had been tied to my own interests – martial arts, history, and other programs related to my drama or film projects,” — Okada Junichi, Host

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• “We’re proud to partner with Nippon TV and look forward to seeing how Japanese audiences embrace the show.” — Sebastian van Barneveld, Director Global Distribution, Talpa Studios

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