Channel 9 (Spectrum) and 20 (Hawaiian Telcom) Programs are subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 847-2021)
KIKU-TV 2018 New Year’s Special Programs
“The 68th Annual Red and White Song Contest,” Monday, Jan. 1, from 5-10 p.m.
Kohaku Uta Gassen, more commonly known simply as Kohaku, is an annual music show produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK. The “Red and White Song Contest” is a program that divides the most popular music artists of the year into competing teams of red and white. The red team is composed of all female artists (or groups with female vocals), while the white team is all male (or groups with male vocals). A performance on Kohaku is said to be the highlight of a singer’s career because of the show’s large reach and status.
Kohaku airs in Japan on New Year’s Eve, with the announcement of the winning team taking place at midnight. In Hawaii, Kohaku has become a television viewing tradition on New Year’s night. 2018 marks the 68th year since the program’s inception.
“Making It Through 2017 Special,” Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m.
Over the 20-year history of the “Making It Through” series, we watched the show’s characters literally grow up in front of us. Daikichi and his five daughters tackled tough subjects such as death, sibling rivalry, bullying, divorce, and other life experiences. In this special, the children of the five sisters are now also facing life’s complex issues. Shin has become a father and must figure out how to maintain a balance between his work and parenting.
“Naotora, The Lady Warlord,” Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m.
This is the true-life story about Naotora Ii, a woman given a male name, who succeeded as the head of the Ii family during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. With her wisdom, courage and affection for her family and loved ones, Naotora lived through turbulent times and paved an honorable life path for those around her.
“TBS Mystery Special,” Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m.
This mystery special consists of three thrilling stories by three notable writers.
One. A large real estate company’s social gathering is held aboard the luxury cruise ship Poseiden as it cruises around Tokyo Bay. Sometime during the cruise, company president Kudo is fatally stabbed. The ship was cruising the entire time, so the murderer must still be on board. Detective Kyoko Hagami investigates the crime and starts by interviewing all the employees to learn the truth and solve the murder.
Two. When Ryuzo Takano, a young genius scientist, dies mysteriously at home, the cause of death is determined to be a heart attack. However insurance agent Masahiko Tomonaga suspects otherwise. Tomonaga suspects that Takano’s wife, Kuriko, a research scientist also investigating Takano’s death, is guilty. But can he prove it?
Three. After their mother dies, sisters Chiaki, Haruna and Natsui gather at the home where they were born and raised. As they reminisce about their mom, they begin to recall a younger brother, Toru, who disappeared from their lives when they were children. Slowly, the sisters piece together their memories, and what starts to emerge is the story of their father’s betrayal and their mother’s secret. Who was Toru and where did he go?
“Doctor X Special,” Thursday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m.
A special based on KIKU-TV’s popular “Doctor X” series, following the exploits and trials of Dr. Michiko Daimon, a freelance doctor with excellent surgical skills, but terrible people skills. In this special, Dr. Daimon is asked to perform major surgery on a champion figure skater scheduled to compete in an upcoming world competition.
“Memories of Mom,” Friday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.
After years of trying, Kyoko and her husband Takehiro are finally pregnant. But their joy at the prospect of becoming parents ends suddenly when they learn Kyoko has stage four cancer. They now must face agonizing decisions that force them to choose between the life of Kyoko or the health of their baby. Adapted from a true story.
“Generations” Saturday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m.
Seven young members of the musical group Generations compete against professional and student athletes in a nationwide competition involving unique challenges. Who will become the Generations champion?
“Makeover Mom,” Saturday, Jan. 6, at 8:30 p.m.
Mothers lead busy lives caring for their families and home, often putting their own needs and welfare last. In this special, attention is focused on moms, and support is provided to help her lose weight, get fit, and feel beautiful. Can she do it?
“Homicide Team 9 – Season 6” (TV Asahi), Saturday at 8 p.m.
Homicide Team 9, which is composed by the few elites, is the most unusual team in criminal investigation divisions of the Metropolitan Police Department. They are always at the top of the criminal arrest rate. They try to solve criminal cases with struggling and cooperating each other.
“Big Guys with One Dish Tour #2,” airs Monday, Jan. 1, at noon.
The Fat Detective is at it again! This time, Ishizuka-san is accompanied by sumo wrestler Oyakata as they explore Japan, tasting the specialty foods of each area.
“Doctor X 4,” premieres Monday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m.
Surgeon Michiko Daimon (Ryoko Yonekura) is sent to Totei University Hospital in this popular series’ fourth season.
Although it reigns as the top university hospital in the country, its reputation has suffered greatly from various cover-ups, medical malpractice and fighting factions. Furthermore, the person who has snatched the seat of the new hospital director with the plan of reestablishing the hospital’s brand and gaining great power, is none other than the strategist, Shigekatsu Hiruma (Toshiyuki Nishida), who has a longstanding grudge against Michiko. Only doctors who have powerful brands are kept to run the hospital, which has transformed it into a mere business organization.
“Crime Scene Investigators (CSI), premieres on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m.
Satoshi Itomura is an assistant police investigator who belongs to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Scientific Investigation Team. His team collects scientific evidence and pieces together fragments of information in order to help build a story. Itomura often does not care about the scientific approach and instead pays a great deal of attention to the things the victims always carried with them or treasured, like the toys from their childhood. He focuses on these things because they usually carry the victim’s last message.
“The Poor Heiress,” premieres Sunday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.
“The Poor Heiress” tells the story of two rival families in a Filipino-Chinese community: the Wong and Sy clans.
The families clash over differences in culture and traditions. But hidden beneath those differences may be relationships that tie the families together in ways they don’t realize.
“Dr. Storks 2,” premieres Sunday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m.
Set 2 years after season 1 of “Dr. Storks,” this drama series follows the growth and conflicts of Sakura Konotori (Gou Ayano). He works as a doctor delivering babies and also performs as a concert pianist under the nickname of “Baby.”
“Mystery Theatre,” Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.
KIKU-TV brings you the best in murder, mystery and intrigue every Wednesday night, driving this program’s popularity and growth. Episode titles are hand picked from both Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and TV Asahi.
“I Could Marry If I Wanted To (TBS),” Sunday at 9 p.m.
Miyabi Tachibana is 39 years old and she hasn’t had a boyfriend in five years. A beautiful and successful doctor, she enjoys her life as a single woman. Miyabi is pretty and confident, but at her school reunion, she finds herself being pitied by others for still being single. After the school reunion, she attends a gourmet meeting at a restaurant. There, she talks about her school reunion. At that time, Seiji, the owner of the restaurant, makes a biting remark that she isn’t the type popular with men. She becomes upset by the remarks and declares, “Get married? I can get married if I set my heart on it. I’ll show you!”
“Naotora: The Lady Warlord,” (NHK) Tuesday, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Sunday at 7 p.m.
During the Sengoku period, the Ii family governs the Totomi region. Due to many past wars, there are no more male successors left to become a lord. Naotora Ii, the only daughter of the lord, is next in line. Although she will face a difficult period, the constant love from her fiancé, whom she became engaged with at a young age, helps her to keep moving forward.
Starring Ko Shibasaki, Haruma Miura, Issei Takahashi, Tetta Sugimoto, Naomi Zaizen, Gin Maeda, Tsuyoshi Ukaji, Shihori Kajiya, Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Shota Shunputei.
“Partners 12,” Thursday at 8 p.m.
The twelfth season of this popular detective series.
Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Toru Kai, is strong-minded and rough. And he is excellent in the powers of observation. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.
“Dotchi” (YTV), Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.
This popular exciting cooking show returns!!
Which dish??? Hiroshi Sekiguchi and Yuji Miyake hosts an exciting cooking contest between expert chefs, cooking two popular dishes using the best ingredients possible. When the chefs have completed their dishes, a celebrity panel is presented with a choice of which dish they wish to eat. The choice that receives the majority of the votes, “wins” and the panelists get to eat that dish.
