On March 14, it was announced that actress 畑芽育 (Hata Mei) will serve as MC for Nippon TV’s brand-new music program 「夜の音-TOKYO MIDNIGHT MUSIC-」 (Yoru no Oto – Tokyo Midnight Music), starting April 7. She will team up with 菊池風磨 (Kikuchi Fuma) of timelesz, marking her first time taking on the role of MC for a television show.

Here’s what makes this late-night program different—and what you can learn from it in Japanese.

A New Late-Night Music Stage

The show will air during 深夜 (shinya), or late-night hours—specifically from 24:24 to 24:54 on Tuesday, April 7 (which means 12:24–12:54 a.m. in standard time).

Each week, one artist will appear on the program. Rather than just performing, the show promises to 紐解く (himotoku)—to carefully unravel—the emotions and stories woven into their songs.

Through conversations with the MCs, viewers will get a look at the creative 裏側 (uragawa), or behind-the-scenes world, that audiences don’t usually see. The program will also explore artists’ struggles and creative processes, culminating in a special live performance created in collaboration with top choreographers, video creators, and stage directors.

It’s not just a music show—it’s an in-depth look at artistry.

Hata Mei’s First MC Challenge

For Hata, this will be her first レギュラー出演 (regyurā shutsuen) as an MC on a television program. The phrase 〜ことが決定 (koto ga kettei) is used in the announcement to say that her appearance “has been decided,” a very common structure in Japanese news reporting.

In her comment, Hata said she feels the program is extremely appealing because it allows viewers to deeply understand the thoughts artists put into their music and the stories behind it.

She reflected on her work as an actress, explaining that while facing her roles, she has often been moved by how theme songs and insert songs expand a story’s emotions many times over. With gratitude toward music, she hopes to carefully draw out the artists’ words and the feelings embedded in their songs.

She also admitted feeling nervous about being entrusted with such an important role for the first time, but said she will do her very best to deliver a special time together with Kikuchi Fuma.

Notice how she uses soft expressions that convey personal reflection rather than strong statements—this is very natural in Japanese interviews.

Kikuchi Fuma on “Honne” at Midnight

Kikuchi shared that as MC, he wants to draw out the artists’ 本音 (honne)—their true feelings—like something that might quietly spill out in the middle of the night.

Late-night programs in Japan often have a more intimate, reflective tone. The word 深夜 (shinya) itself carries a mood: quiet, honest, maybe even a little vulnerable.

Kikuchi also spoke about confronting the 葛藤 (kattō)—inner conflict—and even the gritty dedication behind glamorous stages. As a performer himself, he plans to face those struggles seriously and create a “dense” viewing experience that leaves audiences trembling after hearing a song.

Before the official start on April 7, a special preview episode will air on March 31 (late night, Kanto local broadcast).

Cultural Context: Why Late-Night Music Shows Matter

In Japan, 深夜番組 (shinya bangumi, late-night programs) often provide space for deeper conversations than prime-time shows. Artists may feel more relaxed and open, leading to more candid discussions.

The emphasis on 裏側 (uragawa) and 本音 (honne) reflects something important in Japanese culture: the contrast between public presentation and inner feelings. A program that promises to reveal an artist’s creative struggles taps into viewers’ desire to see authenticity beyond polished performances.

The collaboration with top creators for the climax performance also highlights Japan’s respect for craftsmanship across fields—choreography, visual production, and stage direction are treated as art forms in their own right.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Let’s break down key vocabulary and grammar you can start using right away.

Key Vocabulary

You might hear a phrase like:

• 音楽にどっぷり浸かる。 Ongaku ni doppuri tsukaru. “To be fully immersed in music.”

This kind of expression paints a vivid emotional picture—very common in entertainment interviews.

Grammar Spotlight ①: 〜ことが決定（する）

Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ことが決定（する）

Meaning: It has been decided that…

This is widely used in news announcements.

Examples:

• 新番組が放送されることが決定しました。 Shin bangumi ga hōsō sareru koto ga kettei shimashita. “It has been decided that a new program will air.”

• 彼女がMCを務めることが決定。 Kanojo ga MC o tsutomeru koto ga kettei. “It has been decided that she will serve as MC.”

You’ll see this structure constantly in entertainment headlines.

Grammar Spotlight ②: 〜ように思う／〜ように感じる

Structure: Clause + ように思う／ように感じる

Meaning: I feel/think that… (soft, nuanced expression)

This adds humility and subjectivity.

Example:

• とても魅力的な番組だと感じました。 Totemo miryokuteki na bangumi da to kanjimashita. “I felt that it was a very appealing program.”

Instead of making a strong, objective claim, the speaker frames it as a personal impression. This is extremely natural in interviews and formal comments.

Useful Expression: 本音を引き出す

• 本音を引き出す。 Honne o hikidasu. “To draw out someone’s true feelings.”

This is a powerful phrase when talking about interviews, counseling, or late-night conversations.

Continue Learning

Working on your reading skills? Our Katakana Essentials: Adapting Global Words to Japanese lesson is a great next step—especially since words like レギュラー (regyurā) and MC come straight from English but follow Japanese sound rules.

Late-night television in Japan has a special atmosphere—quieter, more reflective, and often more honest. With Hata Mei and Kikuchi Fuma leading the conversations, “夜の音-TOKYO MIDNIGHT MUSIC-” aims to bring viewers closer to the emotional core of music.

As you follow entertainment news like this, you’re not just keeping up with pop culture—you’re absorbing the rhythm of real Japanese.

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.