FAQ

 
 
 
 
 
 
When will the season of new shows begin?
KIKU regularly introduces new shows throughout the year. You can find announcements of our new shows on this website by clicking here New On KIKU, or by calling our community service representative at 847-2021 or by emailing us at info@kikutv.com.
 
May I purchase copies of KIKU programs?
Due to license and copyright constraints, we are not allowed to make, rent, or sell copies of programs airing on KIKU. However, we do rebroadcast some shows, which allows viewers to watch episodes missed during the first run.
 

Why are Japanese drama series so short?

In Japan, a typical modern drama series will run between nine to 13 episodes. If a particular series is popular in Japan, there is a possibility of a sequel, e.g. Making It Through or Partners.
 
How can I get copies of recipes featured on the Today’s Menu shows?
Click here for a copy of Today’s Menu recipes. Or, we will be happy to mail you a copy of your desired recipe(s). Simply send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to KIKU with a brief note indicating the name of the recipe and the air date of the show (if available).
 
Why aren’t there new episodes of Soko ga Shiritai?
We wish we could license new episodes of Soko ga Shiritai, but the program is no longer in production in Japan. The episodes you see on KIKU were produced 10-20 years ago, and have all been retelecast numerous times. Despite their age, the subjects are all very interesting and intriguing and Soko ga Shiritai remains the most popular program on KIKU.
 
Why don’t you have more and newer Japanese programs on KIKU?
It is very expensive to license programming from Japan. We negotiate the rights for programs on a case-by-case basis and are given strict terms for each program. There are set parameters and windows during which the license applies. This is why we cannot always retelecast a program, and why we cannot always acquire a program you ask for.
 
Who selects the programs that air on KIKU?
We have a multi-tiered selection process. We look at the popularity (ratings) of programs that aired in Japan, as well as the actors appearing in the programs to get a sense of how well a show might do. We also listen to recommendations from our program syndicators, as well as our viewers to give us a better feel for what viewers want to see.
 

When we see a program we think has potential, we screen samples to check whether the content will be appropriate for our audience.
 

Because KIKU’s audience is not just Japanese in ethnicity, we try to license a variety of programs that will appeal to all types of people. That is why you see everything from NHK’s taiga drama and jidaigeki to long-running dramas like Making It Through and Kinpachi Sensei dramas to youthful dramas like Hanayori Dango and Jotei, to game shows like Challengers of Fire on KIKU.