Bakusho Mondai's Hikaru Ota Talks with Rakugoka Katsura Edamaru about 'The Appeal of Local Radio' – radiko 15th Anniversary Podcast Episode 5 Released

radiko Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Takuo Ikeda; headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo), which provides the free service 'radiko' that allows users to listen to radio and podcasts on smartphones and PCs, has started distributing the 5th episode of its original podcast program 'Hikaru Ota and 15 Talkers' commemorating the 15th anniversary of the service launch. This program is a special project where Hikaru Ota of Bakusho Mondai, who also serves as the radiko 15th anniversary PR ambassador, invites popular personalities representing various radio stations as guests and engages in conversations on the theme of 'radio'. The first episode featured Naintainain's Takashi Okamura from Nippon Broadcasting System, the second featured Chris Peppler from J-WAVE, the third featured Jane Su from TBS Radio, and the fourth featured voice actress Suzuko Hanaoka from Bunka Hoso, each sharing their thoughts on radio.

For the 5th episode, the guest is Katsura Edamaru, a rakugoka who serves as the personality of the weekly Friday program 'Shisomaru no Zenkai! Kinyobi' on Wakayama Broadcasting. Ota has previously publicly stated that he is a listener of that program, and Edamaru's name has frequently appeared in past episodes of 'Hikaru Ota and 15 Talkers', making this guest appearance a natural progression.

In the program, the two discuss a wide range of topics, including the appeal of programs on local radio stations like 'Shisomaru no Zenkai! Kinyobi' and the world of Kamigata rakugo (comedic storytelling from the Osaka region). The content features dense conversation between two talking professionals, covering everything from their passion for region-based broadcasting culture to the traditional performing arts.

In conjunction with the podcast release, a web article will be published where Hikaru Ota and Katsura Edamaru introduce the appeal of local radio and recommended programs. Additionally, to encourage more listening to local station programs, a campaign will offer a limited-period 'radiko Premium (Double Plan) coupon for 2 months' to those who listen to 'radiko 15th Anniversary: Hikaru Ota and 15 Talkers' (Episode 5 / Guest: Katsura Edamaru). Details will be announced within the podcast program.

Program URL for 'radiko 15th Anniversary: Hikaru Ota and 15 Talkers' (Episode 5 / Guest: Katsura Edamaru): https://radiko.jp/podcast/channels/a8de9e8c-7b2d-40d8-91a9-776aa7f1aec0

Web article URL: https://news.radiko.jp/article/edit/135824

'radiko 15th Anniversary: Hikaru Ota and 15 Talkers' is exclusively available on the radiko app and radiko PC site. It is being developed as original content that can only be listened to on radiko.

Program Information -------------------------------------------------------------------

'radiko 15th Anniversary: Hikaru Ota and 15 Talkers'

A special program where Hikaru Ota, who serves as the radiko 15th anniversary PR ambassador, invites popular personalities representing each radio station and engages in conversations on the theme of 'radio'. Exclusively distributed via radiko podcast.

[Program URL] https://radiko.jp/podcast/channels/a8de9e8c-7b2d-40d8-91a9-776aa7f1aec0

[radiko 15th Anniversary Special Site] https://15th.radiko.jp/program/

Hikaru Ota's Radio Program Information ---------------------------------------------------

'Tuesday JUNK: Bakusho Mondai Car Boy'

Started broadcasting in April 1997 as 'Tuesday UP'S: Bakusho Mondai Cowboy' (renamed to 'Tuesday UP'S: Bakusho Mondai Car Boy' in May of the same year). In April 2002, with the launch of 'JUNK', the program name changed to 'Tuesday JUNK: Bakusho Mondai Car Boy', and it continues to air to this day. This year marks the program's 30th year.

[Broadcast day/Station] Every Tuesday 25:00-27:00 / TBS Radio

[Program HP] https://www.tbsradio.jp/junk/

[radiko program page] https://radiko.jp/r_seasons/1015

'Bakusho Mondai no Nichiyou Sunday'

Started broadcasting in April 2008. Beloved as a staple Sunday afternoon program on TBS Radio, it continues to air every Sunday from 13:00.

[Broadcast day/Station] Every Sunday 13:00-17:00 / TBS Radio

[Program HP] https://www.tbsradio.jp/nichiyou/

[radiko program page] https://radiko.jp/r_seasons/10002404

Katsura Edamaru's Radio Program Information -----------------------------------------------

'Shisomaru no Zenkai! Kinyobi'

Rakugoka Katsura Edamaru, known as 'Wakayama's obachan', shares amusing everyday stories that make you chuckle.

[Broadcast day/Station] Every Friday 13:00-16:35 / Wakayama Broadcasting

[Program HP] http://tsunagaru.sblo.jp/category/4200477-1.html

[radiko program page] https://radiko.jp/r_seasons/23941