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Nobuyuki Sakuma Reveals Why He Declines All Quiz Show Offers
Former TV Tokyo producer Nobuyuki Sakuma disclosed on his radio show that he declines all quiz show offers, citing lack of confidence in general knowledge and preference for prepared content like interviews. He explained his decision is driven by embarrassment and noted that his knowledge is too specialized for improvisation-based quiz formats.
Quick Facts
Who
Nobuyuki Sakuma (佐久間宣行)
What
Sakuma revealed he declines all quiz show offers
When
June 17, 2026 (broadcast date)
Where
Nippon Broadcasting (ニッポン放送)
- Sakuma revealed he declines all quiz show offers
- He stated he has no confidence in quiz knowledge
- He expressed preference for prepared interviews and conversations with writers
- He praised the 51+ year longevity of Panel Quiz Attack 25
- Panel Quiz Attack 25 is moving to prime time in July
Nobuyuki Sakuma, a former television producer at TV Tokyo, revealed on his late-night radio program that he systematically declines all offers to appear on quiz shows. Speaking on Nippon Broadcasting's "Sakuma Nobuyuki's All Night Nippon 0" on June 17, 2026, Sakuma explained his reasoning candidly: he lacks confidence in quiz knowledge and prefers work requiring careful preparation, such as interviews and conversations with writers.
Sakuma emphasized that his knowledge base is narrow and specialized rather than broad, making him unsuitable for quiz formats that demand improvisation and accumulated general knowledge. He described his position humorously, noting that without his manager's guidance, he might have accepted such offers despite his reservations. The producer acknowledged receiving numerous quiz show invitations but has chosen to reject them all due to embarrassment about potentially underperforming.
During the broadcast, Sakuma praised the longevity of the quiz show "Panel Quiz Attack 25," which is relocating to prime time after more than 51 years on air and maintaining the same format throughout its run. A Waseda University graduate, Sakuma joked that he had wanted to declare on television that "Waseda shouldn't be underestimated," while laughing at the prevalence of Tokyo University alumni in television.
Topics
Why This Matters
Sakuma's candid disclosure offers viewers insight into the decision-making behind TV personalities' selective show appearances and reveals the gap between public perception and private self-assessment among media figures. For aspiring producers and media professionals, his explanation demonstrates the importance of playing to one's strengths and the role of preparation quality over breadth of knowledge. Additionally, his comments about quiz show longevity and university representation in television touch on broader cultural trends in Japanese media.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireSakuma reveals on radio that he declines all quiz show offers