『STATUS SYMBOLS』
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There are many things in the world that can be called “STATUS SYMBOLS” These include the high-end wine “Romanée-Conti” and the famous violin “Stradivarius.” There are many anecdotes that can be said to be the “work” of humans… We set out on a reckless journey to get closer to real status.
Cast: AHN MIKA, Koji Higashino
Narration: Yoshiko Sakakibara
Producer: Toshimoto Uchida
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『STATUS SYMBOLS #1 Chicken Cup』
NHK, 45-minute program, first broadcast on April 3, 2024
In 2014, a small vessel belonging to a Chinese emperor was sold at an auction in Hong Kong for the high price of 3.8 billion yen, catching the world’s attention. It was called a “chicken cup.” It was made by an emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China in the 15th century, and has been shrouded in many legends ever since.This time, we embark on a reckless journey to get our hands on the greatest “status symbol” of our time…
Guest: Ryuichi Hirano
Director: Atsushi Ishitobi
『STATUS SYMBOLS #2 Messiah Ultimate Stradivarius』
NHK, 45-minute program, first broadcast on Sep 11, 2024
The Stradivarius violin reigns supreme among all musical instruments.The one commonly known as the Messiah is considered to be the greatest masterpiece of all.Its creator, Antonio Stradivari, never let it go throughout his life and it was rarely played, so it is said to have retained its original appearance.This time, we set out on a reckless journey to produce the sound of the greatest “status symbol” of our time…
Guest: Sota Nakazawa
Director: Kotaro Muta
『STATUS SYMBOLS #3 Penthouse』
NHK, 45-minute program, first broadcast on May 12, 2025
Penthouses, which occupy the entire top floor of a building, captivate the wealthy from all over the world.The highest asking price for a penthouse in Billionaire’s Row, a prime location overlooking New York’s Central Park, is 36 billion yen! Anyone would want to stay in a dream penthouse at least once in their life.A director who has dreamed of New York since his student days travels around with a desperate determination. Where will this reckless journey lead?Who will achieve status symbols?
Guest: Azabu Keibajo
Director/Producer: Toshimoto Uchida
『STATUS SYMBOLS #4 Space Travel』
NHK, 45-minute program, first broadcast on June 18, 2025
Space is now in the “era of the private sector.” As venture entrepreneurs enter the space travel business in earnest, the possibility of us going to space is increasing. However, if only we had the money… After thorough research to see if there was an opportunity lying somewhere, we found a faint ray of hope!However, what awaited us was the existence of an incredibly powerful rival. If you go to space, your social status will skyrocket!Who will achieve status symbols?
Guest: Satoshi Takamatsu
Director: Jun Iizuka
＜AWARDS＞
【2025】
“STATUS SYMBOLS #2 Messiah Ultimate Stradivarius” won The Grand Prize at the 41th ATP Award TV Grand Prix!