McCoy Saito Returns in the Reiwa Era. New Variety Show 'Shibuya Mappies' to be Released for Free on SWIPEDRAMA and Official YouTube from July 1st (Wednesday)!

SWIPEDRAMA Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takuya Ota), which operates the vertical short drama platform 'SWIPEDRAMA', is pleased to announce that its new variety show 'Shibuya Mappies', with McCoy Saito as the general director, will be available for free on the SWIPEDRAMA app and the official Shibuya Mappies YouTube channel starting July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) at 26:30. The show will feature MCs Sora Aoi and Minamikawa, along with 22 members selected through auditions from hundreds of applicants.

■ SWIPEDRAMA's First 'From Vertical to Horizontal'

SWIPEDRAMA has previously operated as a vertical short drama app optimized for smartphone viewing. 'Shibuya Mappies' is SWIPEDRAMA's first original horizontal variety show. This challenge of moving 'from vertical to horizontal' may seem contrary to industry trends. Based on the viewer connections built through short-form vertical content, the company now aims to deliver a new experiential value through horizontal variety. Through this initiative, SWIPEDRAMA will expand beyond being just a 'drama app' to become a next-generation entertainment platform.

■ What is 'Shibuya Mappies'?

'Shibuya Mappies' is a new variety show produced with McCoy Saito as the general director, who has created numerous popular variety shows and iconic units. 22 members, rigorously selected through auditions from hundreds of applicants, have gathered to start their activities aiming to become Japan's sexiest and funniest unit. Under McCoy Saito's unique direction, the free-spirited variety spirit that defies conventions will be revived on the new stage of 'SWIPEDRAMA'.

■ MCs: Sora Aoi x Minamikawa

The show's MCs are Sora Aoi, a former adult video actress with high name recognition and influence both in Japan and abroad, and Minamikawa, a comedian known for his sharp observational skills and unique character. The combination of a cross-border industry legend and a comedian who reads the zeitgeist promises interesting chemistry with the 22 members, which is a major highlight of the show.

Sora Aoi: 'The first recording was really fun. Being among many girls, I started to see each of their characters, and I'm looking forward to what's to come. When I first heard about the project, it sounded very interesting, and I'm excited to see what kind of new unit will be created. I hope to grow together with the members while addressing their concerns and feelings.'

Minamikawa: 'Thanks to everyone's energy, I think the first recording went very well. When I first heard about it, I was a bit nervous thinking it might be an edgy show for adults, but when I heard it was a project by McCoy-san, I felt even more determined. After finishing the recording, I found it had a good balance of tension and fun, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it develops. As an MC, I want to make sure the show runs all the way to the end without losing anyone.'

■ General Director: McCoy Saito

A director who debuted as a director on 'Takeshi no Genki ga Deru TV!' and has since worked on numerous hit shows such as 'Onegai! Muscat' and 'Tunnels no Minasan no Okage deshita'. Regardless of the medium—TV, DVD, or streaming—McCoy Saito's greatest charm is his ability to identify the 'core of fun' and turn it into excitement. In 'Shibuya Mappies', he will use his unique sensibility to create a new wave in Reiwa-era variety entertainment.

'Shibuya Mappies has begun. While there are elements reminiscent of 'Ebisu Muscats', I have no intention of doing the same thing. A major highlight this time is the diverse age range and backgrounds of the members. I hope you look forward to a unit that combines the fun and adult appeal unique to this era.'

■ Distribution Information

Program Name: 'Shibuya Mappies'
Distribution Start Date: July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) 26:30~
Distribution Platforms: SWIPEDRAMA (Web/App) / Shibuya Mappies Official YouTube Channel
General Director: McCoy Saito
MCs: Sora Aoi, Minamikawa

Latest information will be posted on the following official accounts:

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shibuyamappyz
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibuyamappyz
Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shibuyamappyz
Official X: https://x.com/shibuyamappyz
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shibuyamappyz

■ New Member Recruitment

'Shibuya Mappies' is currently recruiting new members.

Please fill in the required information on the application form and apply.

(Application Form: https://forms.gle/SMy9SWkf3anTGbYo8)

■ About SWIPEDRAMA Inc.

'SWIPEDRAMA' is an entertainment platform specializing in vertical short dramas, operated by SWIPEDRAMA Inc. Its mission is to redefine the disposable time of the smartphone generation and deliver new IP and talent to the world.

With this work, 'Shibuya Mappies', the company is taking on its first horizontal variety show, expanding its business as a next-generation entertainment company that spans both vertical and horizontal formats.

Official Website: https://swipedrama.com/ja/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SWIPEDRAMAJP
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swipedrama_jp
Official Threads: https://www.threads.net/@swipedrama_jp
Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swipedrama_jp
Official X: https://x.com/swipedrama
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swipedrama
Official LINE: https://lin.ee/4KrbdUa

Additionally, SWIPEDRAMA is hiring across all areas due to rapid growth.
Please apply via the link below.

Careers: https://careers.highball.me/2024/05/19/swipedrama/