The author has published analyses on “TV art” based on testimonies from a number of people involved, using a methodology of oral history. This latest paper focuses on the art of Hachiji da yo! Zen’in Shugo, a TBS network’s live comic–variety show that took Japan by storm in the 1970s and the 1980s. In the program, whose main feature was comedy skits performed by the Drifters–a comedy group/musical band that enjoyed enormous popularity back then–its art including realistic large–scale stage sets and innovative props played a significant role.
Based on the testimonies of Yamada Mitsuro, a designer who was almost solely entrusted with the design of skit sets, as well as art and direction staff at the time, this paper unravels new facts in the process of program making and tells the vivid atmosphere of the production site. As the author follows each week of making of the show in chronological order, the testimonies gradually shed light on the superb support of art staff that contributed to the creation of skit materials, the staff’s endeavors to accommodate to changes requested until immediately before the performance to make the skits funny as much as possible, the passion of all the staff who worked hardest as a team on the stage to make the live broadcast successful. The Drifters consisted of five men, but the sixth Drifter was “art” that also played a leading role in the program and all the staff members involved. The author hopes recording the passion of people who devoted their lives to the show in the golden age of television will serve as a clue to shape the future of broadcasting that will soon celebrate its centenary.