Host of popular Japanese 'World's Mysteries' quiz show to change on 37th anniversary

TOKYO -- Freelance announcer Ryoji Ishii will take over from newscaster Hitoshi Kusano, longtime host of the long-running quiz show "Discovery of the World's Mysteries" aired at 9 p.m. every Saturday, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. (TBS) has announced.

The change from the 79-year-old Kusano coincides with the TV program's renewal, and the 45-year-old Ishii will take over the anchor role from the April 15 broadcast.

Kusano has hosted the program, which will mark its 37th anniversary in April, since it first aired. He will apparently continue to appear on the program as a "quiz master" and give hints to the guest group led by actress Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 89. In a written comment, Kusano said, "I hope the new host will bring new life to the show and make it more attractive."

Ishii said, "When I first heard about it (becoming the host), I was so surprised that I couldn't speak for a while! I'm so happy to be part of a program that I've watched since I was a child! It's an unexpected pleasure."

Kuroyanagi also commented, "I will try my best to continue to provide the audience with an attractive program while having more fun myself!"

(Japanese original by Yuri Hirabayashi, Cultural News Department)