“MazeKoze Friday” Launches 4th Series: First-Ever Thai Food Special, “Kopunker at Town Thai Restaurants”

Since April, BS TV Tokyo has been airing its Friday late-night programming block under the title 'MazeKoze Friday' (shortened to 'MazeFla'). The series has featured diverse genre-blending programs combining TV and YouTube content, including the first installment 'The Habit of a Spring Roll Enthusiast – Enjoying the Ultimate Bite with Headphones,' the second 'Iwai Fried Rice Way – A Chinese Food Journey with Yuuki and Yuu,' and the third 'The Terrifying Night of the Weirdness Research Club – Chilling Confessions from Those Who Experienced It.'

'MazeKoze Friday (#MazeFla)' delivers a mix of content designed to excite viewers, combining 15-minute TV broadcasts with YouTube spin-offs. The fourth installment, 'Kopunker at Town Thai Restaurants,' will air for four consecutive weeks starting June 19 (Fri) from 12:00 AM to 12:15 AM.

This program focuses on Thai cuisine, which enjoys immense popularity among women, pioneering a new genre dubbed 'Town Thai'—following in the footsteps of 'Town Chinese' and 'Town Yakiniku.' Two Thai food lovers explore deep-cut Thai restaurants while delving into the personal stories of the owners—a next-generation gourmet show. On YouTube, simple home-cooked Thai recipes will be shared, so viewers inspired by the show can try them at home.

Riko, appearing in the episodes airing June 19 and 26, has starred in hit dramas such as 'Black Cinderella' (ABEMA) and 'SHUT UP' (TV Tokyo). She won the 'Best New Actor Award' at the 38th Takasaki Film Festival for her leading role in the film 'A Strange Lover from Another Planet.' As of June 9, she boasts over 2 million social media followers. Miho Watanabe, appearing in the July 3 and 10 episodes, is a former popular member of Hinatazaka46 who has transitioned into acting. She has appeared in notable works such as the drama 'Is It Wrong to Not Have Children? DINKs Tokuki Tooka' (TV Tokyo) and the film 'Osomatsu-san: The Human Trashification Project!!!!!?' She is one of the most talked-about young actresses, enjoying strong support from Gen Z.

Cast Comments

Riko

'I'm thrilled that 'Kopunker at Town Thai Restaurants' is finally airing! I've openly declared my love for Thailand and Thai food, attended Thai festivals, and constantly uploaded eating videos on my personal YouTube channel—this job feels like a dream come true where my personal passion meets my profession! I'm having a blast being my authentic self on set. During filming, I even discovered my 'life's ultimate ___'—tune in to find out what it is! My love for Thai food has grown even deeper. Kopunker!'

Miho Watanabe

'Previously, a friend invited me to a Thai restaurant, and that's when I truly discovered the depth of Thai cuisine.

I've heard that the herbs and spices are not only fragrant but also beneficial for beauty, making it a food that delights both mind and body.

Recently, Thai food has even appeared as crew meals on drama sets, making it feel more accessible.

We even keep Sriracha sauce on set and all use it together!

Through this program, I hope to deepen my own knowledge of Thai cuisine and share valuable insights with viewers.'

Staff Comment

Producer: Ryohei Kozu (TV Tokyo, Distribution Business Division)

'With Thai food becoming incredibly popular at festivals and events, yet no dedicated Thai cuisine TV programs, we decided to pioneer a new genre—'Town Thai'—following 'Town Chinese' and 'Town Sushi.' The broadcast will feature deep dives into local Thai restaurants, while YouTube will showcase easy Thai recipes. We hope this becomes the spark that ignites viewers' passion for Thai food. Please tune in!'

About MazeKoze Friday

Aimed at delivering exciting, mixed-genre content, 'MazeKoze Friday (#MazeFla)' airs every Friday at 12:00 AM, combining 15-minute TV episodes with original YouTube content. Whether it's gourmet, subculture, or drama—there's something here for everyone's 'I want to watch this' moment!

▶ BS TV Tokyo Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bs-tvtokyo

Program Overview

[Title] MazeKoze Friday 'Kopunker at Town Thai Restaurants'

[Air Dates] Starting June 19, 2026, every Friday from 12:00 AM to 12:15 AM (4 episodes total)

[Broadcast Channel] BS TV Tokyo (BS Ch.7), nationwide free broadcast

[Streaming] [Original Program Spin-offs]

Spin-offs will be released on the BS TV Tokyo Official YouTube Channel after each episode

▶ BS TV Tokyo Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bs-tvtokyo

★ Please subscribe to the BS TV Tokyo Official Channel ★

[Catch-up Streaming]

Available on ad-supported free platforms 'Net mo TV Tokyo' and 'TVer'

★ Use the convenient 'Favorite Registration' to avoid missing episodes ★

▶ TVer: https://tver.jp/

▶ TV Tokyo Website (Net mo TV Tokyo): https://video.tv-tokyo.co.jp/

[Cast] Riko, Miho Watanabe

[Copyright] © BS TV Tokyo

※ When using the program logo or still images, please credit © BS TV Tokyo.

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