Front row, from left: Yuno Nagao, Takeru (Tokyo Hoteison) Back row, from left: Mariko Hao, Junya Kono
What is "Yokai to Asobu"...
KEY FIGURES
Tsuchigumo, Noppera-bo... Yokai have existed since ancient times as beings beyond human comprehension.
From those that inhabit homes to those that are transformations of animals, this program delves into the profound depths of yokai from both ancient and modern times, filled with mystery and the uncanny, and cherishes them wholeheartedly!
It's a new sensation yokai variety show where you can learn about yokai, laugh with yokai, and play with yokai, alongside Takeru of Tokyo Hoteison, who loves yokai, Mariko Hao, a ghost storyteller, and Junya Kono, a yokai culture researcher!
Featured Guest is Actor Yuno Nagao, a "Great Yokai Fan"!
This season's highlight is the appearance of actor Yuno Nagao, active in numerous dramas and commercials. She is actually a huge yokai fan, and her favorite yokai is "Betobetosan." Her passion for yokai has even led her to produce the yokai manga "Youkatsu!!" herself.
In the program, she will appear in "Can You Meet Them Now!? A Grand Feature on Modern Yokai," which focuses on yokai born in the modern era, and in the program's regular popular segment, "Yokai Common Sense Quiz." She will showcase her extensive knowledge while her eyes sparkle at the world of yokai she is learning about for the first time, livening up the show with her innate curiosity. Please pay close attention to how Yuno Nagao enjoys the world of "Yokai to Asobu," filled with learning and laughter.
Nagao herself will introduce modern yokai.
Which yokai is Nagao-san imitating with gestures!??
Cast Comments
【Yuno Nagao】
1. Your feelings when you were decided to appear in the yokai variety show "Yokai to Asobu Season 3"
I've loved yokai since I was little. However, I don't think there are many yokai variety shows, and I always thought it would be nice if there were, so I was very happy to be able to appear in this program.
2. You mentioned you've always loved yokai, what sparked that interest?
It started when I watched Shigeru Mizuki's "GeGeGe no Kitaro" on TV. I've loved them ever since, and I still do.
3. Please tell us about the charm of your favorite yokai, "Betobetosan."
Betobetosan doesn't do anything; it just follows you from behind, and it doesn't have a scary vibe. I find its round shape with just a mouth and feet cute. Even if I feel scared, it disappears if I say, "Please go ahead," so that's reassuring. However, I don't want Betobetosan to disappear, so instead of saying "Please go ahead," I want to take baths with it and sleep with it.
4. Please tell us about your impressions of the recording.
[Episode on Modern Yokai]
I knew about famous modern yokai, but this was the first time I learned that there are yokai like this even in the present day. We also came up with original modern yokai together. Turning real-life events into yokai was very educational, and many interesting and cute yokai appeared, so I wished the yokai we created would become reality.
[Yokai Quiz Episode]
I knew the answers before the actual recording, but I was frustrated when I couldn't recall them during the show. However, sometimes with hints from everyone, I was able to do various quizzes and it was very fun. The gesture game was a bit difficult to convey, but I managed to complete it. Please look forward to the broadcast to see what yokai I gestured to.
5. A message to the viewers
I hope that by watching this program, you will learn more and more about yokai and enjoy them. For the yokai quiz, please watch while thinking of the answers together with the viewers. If you can answer the gesture quiz, you are a yokai pro!
Impressions of today's recording (Regarding the episode featuring guest Yuno Nagao)
【Takeru (Tokyo Hoteison)】
She was surprisingly composed, and her knowledge of yokai was immense. I couldn't help but wonder if I was that composed when I was in elementary school (laughs). She really helped liven up the program! Please watch it, everyone.
【Mariko Hao】
Nagao-san is incredibly cute, and she was smiling every time our eyes met during the recording, so it was a truly happy time to be able to work with her. However, she's not just cute; her knowledge of yokai was truly extraordinary. Especially in the "Yokai Quiz" episode, she knew about quite specialized yokai that even I learned about as an adult, which surprised me. It was clear that she loves yokai and has studied them thoroughly.
【Junya Kono】
I often have opportunities to interact with children who love and know a lot about yokai at events I organize, but among them, Nagao-san was exceptionally knowledgeable. Not only was she knowledgeable, but it was evident that she had properly broken down and internalized the information. I felt she would become someone who would carry the future of yokai culture.
【Broadcast Details】
<Program Information>
Title: "Yokai to Asobu Season 3" (6 episodes total)
©2026 "Yokai to Asobu Season 3" Production Committee
Official HP: https://www.meitelenext.com/horror/yokaitoasobu3
Official X: @yokaitoasobu
<Cast>
Takeru (Tokyo Hoteison)
Mariko Hao (Editor, "BeːinG" Magazine / Ghost Storyteller)
Junya Kono (Yokai Culture Researcher)
<Broadcast>
◆Me-Tele (https://www.nagoyatv.com/)
Terrestrial Digital Broadcast Channel 6 (Broadcast Area: Tokai 3 Prefectures)
【Me-Tele Broadcast Date and Time】From August 26, 2026, every Wednesday 25:29~ *Times are subject to change
【Streaming】Missed viewing available for 4 weeks after broadcast on TVer and Locipo.
◆CS "Me-Tele NEXT" (https://www.meitelenext.com)
Available on Sky PerfecTV! Service (CS301), Sky PerfecTV! Premium Service,
Sky PerfecTV! Premium Service Hikari
Hikari TV, J:COM, and other cable TV stations nationwide.
Other Viewing Methods: https://www.meitelenext.com/howto
【Me-Tele NEXT Broadcast Date and Time】
#1: Yokai Common Sense Quiz ~The Araki Family's Bakemono Emaki Edition~
July 13, 2026 (Mon) 24:30~ (Guests: Rin Kaname, Erina Hase)
#2: Learn from the Legends! Biographies of Great Yokai
July 27, 2026 (Mon) 24:30~ (Guests: Yukio Amano, Karyu Shikimi)
#3: Manga, Novels, Games... Let's Talk About Masterpiece Yokai Content!
August 10, 2026 (Mon) 24:30~ (Guests: Yukio Amano, Karyu Shikimi)
#4: Can You Meet Them Now!? A Grand Feature on Modern Yokai
August 24, 2026 (Mon) 24:30~ (Guests: Ken Nakazawa, Yuno Nagao)
#5: Ancient and Modern! A Grand Investigation of Yokai Festivals
September 14, 2026 (Mon) 24:30~ (Guest: Naoko Kawakami)
#6: Become a Yokai Expert with This! "Yokai Common Sense Quiz" Part 5
September 28, 2026 (Mon) 24:30~ (Guest: Yuno Nagao)
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: エンタメ
- Organizations: J:COM