STU48 Faces Frigid Rough Seas! Special Program 'STU48 no Uchira Suki ni Narinchai' Featuring 3 Days and 2 Nights of Mud-Stained Communal Living to be Broadcast for Free on ABEMA Starting Monday, March 30, 2026, at 9:00 PM

ABEMA, the "new future television," will broadcast a special program titled 'STU48 no Uchira Suki ni Narinchai' on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 9:00 PM. The show follows members of the idol group STU48, who are based in the seven prefectures of the Setouchi region, as they live together in a harsh environment, including diving into freezing, rough seas. In this program, STU48 members become apprentices to fishermen in the frigid sea and are followed through a grueling two-night, three-day communal living experience. This includes hauling in over 200kg of oysters, performing the 'ikejime' (brain spiking) of fish themselves, and eating the ultimate fisherman's meal after working up an appetite. We bring you a new side of these idols as they discard their titles and struggle in the mud. Appearing as observers for the program are Hiroyuki Iguchi of the comedy duo Westland (from Okayama Prefecture) and Maaya Wada, a talent and former member of Nogizaka46 (from Hiroshima Prefecture). After recording, STU48 captain Azumi Okada commented, "I was able to realize once again that we are only able to enjoy delicious seafood at our tables every day thanks to the efforts of fishermen." Westland's Iguchi praised the members' hard work, saying, "Everyone's personalities really shone through, and I thought they were all truly hard workers." Wada, who watched the show while reflecting on the harsh location shoots from her own idol days, sent a warm message of support: "It reminded me of how we deepened our bonds through various location shoots when I was in the group, and it made me feel nostalgic. Youth is fleeting, so I hope they enjoy this time to the fullest." (*The full text of the post-recording comments can be found at the bottom of the release.) 'STU48 no Uchira Suki ni Narinchai,' which documents the true feelings and bonds of these idols, begins broadcasting on ABEMA on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 9:00 PM. Please look forward to it. STU48 Captain Azumi Okada I spent three days in Etajima experiencing fishery work. The work was more grueling than I had imagined, and I realized once again that the reason we can enjoy seafood at our tables is thanks to the hard work of fishermen. The people in Etajima who took care of us were very warm, and I was deeply impressed by how the entire island supported and helped each other like one big family. In the program, you can see the warmth of the people of Etajima and the various expressions of the members as they struggle with their first fishery experience! Not only the fishery experience, but also segments that will make you want to shout, 'Is this a Showa-era variety show?!' are highlights! Please enjoy it! Westland Hiroyuki Iguchi While some members were rotating and some were there the whole time, I think everyone's personalities really came out. I truly thought everyone was a hard worker. Also, 'that person from Hiroshima' makes an appearance as a special guest, which is the biggest highlight! Maaya Wada I felt that the members get along very well, and that the ability to deepen their bonds so much after spending three days with the locals is a testament to the members' own charm. I think it's a program where fans can once again realize each individual's appeal. I myself had many first-time experiences on various location shoots when I was in the group, so I felt 'nostalgic' many times. I remembered how we became closer and supported each other while sharing time together, which deepened our bonds. After graduating, you don't sleep in a row like that anymore, so I watched it while reflecting on how precious that time was. Youth is truly fleeting, so I thought I wanted them to enjoy this time, and it made me feel nostalgic. [Special Program 'STU48 no Uchira Suki ni Narinchai' Broadcast Overview] - Broadcast Date: Monday, March 30, 2026, from 9:00 PM - Broadcast Channel: ABEMA SP2 Channel - Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/channels/special-plus/slots/FFi9t1PVzHE6MV *Please include the credit (C)AbemaTV, Inc. when using images. [About ABEMA] ABEMA is a video distribution business that aims to innovate television as the 'new future television,' celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026. Since its launch, as an internet television service that can be enjoyed basically for free without registration, it broadcasts approximately 25 channels across diverse genres 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including 24-hour news channels, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows pursuing 'highest quality or one-of-a-kind' content, anime, and sports. In addition to the highest number of original episodes for a domestic video service in Japan (*), it offers a rich lineup including attention-grabbing new films, popular domestic and international dramas, trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live performances. Content is provided to suit diverse lifestyles through a viewing experience independent of location or time, via smartphones, PCs, tablets, and television devices. Furthermore, the 'ABEMA Premium' plan (1,080 yen/month, tax included) allows users to enjoy limited features and works, and the 'ABEMA Premium with Ads' plan (580 yen/month, tax included) allows users to view 'ABEMA Premium' exclusive content with ads. (*) As of November 2025, according to internal research. Please check official SNS for the latest information. New future TV 'ABEMA' where you can enjoy free videos and trending works (https://abema.tv/) To commemorate its 10th anniversary, ABEMA will launch various campaigns throughout the year to build excitement, including special programming and the 'ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Great Thanksgiving.' Please look forward to ABEMA's 10th anniversary. ABEMA 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/