Underplayed Gems

Kasou Taishou (1979)

Kasou Taishou poster
Original title
欽ちゃん&香取慎吾の全日本仮装大賞
Directed by
Takeshi Uriu
Genre
variety show
Country
Japan
Length
1 season, 98 episodes
Rating
7.0 of 10 from 2 voters
The 3D catalogue: film cases on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalogue in 3D

The film shelves have a room of their own that you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real films from the same catalogue when you tell them what you feel like watching. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this series is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

Amateur groups perform short skits on a live stage with a focus on faking cinematic special effects. A panel of judges rates the performances and the show has a recurring host.

playfullightheartedwhimsicalcleverupbeatamateurlivecompetitive

What happens

Kasou Taishou (欽ちゃん＆香取慎吾の全日本仮装大賞, Kinchan ando Katori Shingo no Zen Nihon Kasō Taishō; All Japan Kasoh Grand Prix, internationally known as Masquerade) is a semi-annual Japanese television variety show that is run on Nippon TV and first aired in 1979. The program shows various amateur groups (or solo artists) performing short skits, which are rated by a panel of judges. Especially in recent years, many of the skits have revolved around clever methods of "faking" cinematic special effects on a live stage. The show is hosted by Kinichi Hagimoto and Shingo Katori. Worldwide, the most famous of these skits, and among the most successful at "fake special effects" was a skit which is widely known as "Matrix ping pong". On the 98th edition (February 6, 2021) of the program, Kinichi Hagimoto announced that this would be the last time that he will present the program. However, he ended up returning in the 99th edition (2023). In 2025, The show had a Special edition called Kasou Taishou Grand Champion in Expo which aired on May 26, 2025. It was recorded at Expo 2025. With foreigners such as American, Australian, Indian, Chilean, Malian, Jordanian, and Dutch watching and voting each shows, Including an English narrator who speaks the shows title in English. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

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