The Hazama Generation Theory in Television History

Mr. Kuroki, renowned as a top-tier producer at Fuji TV, and Mr. Kitakaze, Chief Solution Director at Dentsu Inc. Their dialogue, despite operating in seemingly different yet closely related fields, highlights the sharp perspectives and struggles unique to their generation! The future of television and advertising may well depend on this "generation in the gap"... This series presents their daily struggles and passionate insights across five installments.

The theme of Part 3 is "The 'Generation in the Gap' Theory of Television History," arguably the core of this project. What is its content?

The Struggles of the "Generation in Between"

Kuroki: As part of the "Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA) Olympic Special Project," I'm working alongside variety show producers from five commercial networks, including myself, and Dentsu Inc.'s Mr. Sawamoto. We're running the "Let's Do It Together 2020" project to energize the Olympics through the JBA. Here, the "team vibe" is crucial. Without that vibe—where we can discuss things, even the impossible, in a fun way—we absolutely cannot connect with people outside the team, or with a larger audience. Everyone participating here is very conscious of this, and we're getting excited like we're running the commercial broadcasters' cultural festival committee. We're also currently holding the "Trash Can Championship That Makes You Want to Throw It Away," an idea conceived by this project team, so please keep an eye out for it!

On the other hand, I worry that younger creators and advertising planners might face a dilemma once they become creators themselves. That's because, especially online, data and marketing elements have become far more precise than before, making "how efficiently and quickly" something incredibly important. In that environment, when they actually become creators, they might tend to agonize over things like "What's actually interesting?" or "There must be a set right answer."

And then there's the possibility of feeling intimidated by the older generation's "I don't give a damn about efficiency" approach to work... Well, that's me, anyway (laughs). I'd really love to hear your thoughts on how to motivate the younger generation, Mr. Kitakaze, who's the same age as me!

Kitakaze: I think the only way is to lead by example. I intend to see it through to the end, even if everyone else leaves, so it's like, "You'd better follow me." While I'm gentle, careful, and soft on the surface, inside I'm ruthless in a way. You're not a customer, so you can't just say it's boring—you have to make it fun yourself, right? In that sense, I'm prepared to enjoy myself to the bitter end and become a fossil (laughs).

Kuroki: That's intense.

Kitakaze: That's why I welcome people in their 20s with open arms. If you feel intimidated, just try doing what you're good at. My philosophy is that you don't need to be all-powerful to reach the goal; if you can contribute a part, that alone is wonderful. I see myself as just a part too, and I've experienced countless times where everyone's parts mesh together and create a chemical reaction. I want the younger generation to experience that too, so I tell them, "Just come as a part!"

Kuroki: I completely agree. Shigesato Itoi, the Hyokin-zoku, and the stars of the 80s were our first teachers, while the digital native 20-somethings are our subordinates. We're right in the middle, the "sandwich generation." We were told to "just do it" and "watch and learn," but you can't just push the younger generation away.

Kitakaze: Exactly. That's why I genuinely respect the younger generation for knowing so many things I don't. Rather than learning those things from scratch myself, it's a hundred times faster to bring them—a generation I respect—into the fold. So it's more like, "Let's do this together!"

Kuroki: It's tough, but in a way, it's interesting. Not everyone thinks the same, and there are always generational gaps somewhere. Young people are responsible and often reserved, but they also have a strong need for recognition. It feels like they're effectively using us, the "in-between generation."

Kitakaze: Personally, I apply the term "passing-through boss." To put it bluntly, life itself is transient—we only share a fleeting moment together. Naturally, the people we meet at work, and maybe even family, could be transient too. So why hold back? I want to engage with people as I see fit.

Sure, it might lead to loneliness sometimes, and people might tell me that's no good. But if you don't shy away from that and just engage, you'll find fragments that click together. That's what I find most interesting. Giving up or holding back feels like such a waste. I want young people to think like this and throw themselves into their work.

Pursuing the "Unpredictable"

Kuroki: What specific qualities do you find impressive in young people in their 20s and 30s?

Kitakaze: They grasp things quickly and are smart. Maybe because many don't plan to stay at one company long, they have this drive to learn as much as possible in a short time. Plus, they're kind and generous. I think they're far more adaptable than I was at their age. Their ability to leverage data analysis skills – something essential in today's world – is also a major strength. While they have many such positive qualities, they might be a bit fragile when it comes to failure.

Kuroki: I also sense they're sensitive to failure and give up easily. So I consciously try to radiate the message, "It's okay to do lots of things that seem pointless or won't work" (laughs). It's about how much we can accommodate their perception of "inefficient" thinking. For example, when trying to cast a certain talent for a program, instead of just emailing a proposal, calling their manager, and giving up immediately if they say no—that's when we should start devising a strategy.

Kitakaze: They probably imagine the possibility that it might not work out, and decide it's "pointless" before even trying.

Kuroki: Exactly. We have this incredibly talented director at our hit-making studio named Kizuki. He approached me saying, "Subculture shows are dwindling, I want to make one," and we decided we absolutely had to cast Mitsuro Kubo.

Professor Kubo had said he wouldn't appear on TV, but Kizuki brought cake to Professor Kubo's All Night Nippon show every week. As a result, we managed to cast him. That's how "Kubo Mine Hyada Kojirasu Night" began.

That's why I think it's necessary to try things, even silly ones, even if they might fail. Stories like that become shared treasures for the team, like old tales passed down. So, if you throw a lot of pitches you think might be wasted, sometimes one hits. Honestly, I feel like we've thrown tons of pitches that were probably just wasted (laughs). But I feel we have to keep trying our hardest to get the message across.

Kitakaze: Younger generations, precisely because they're smart, tend to anticipate outcomes and think, "This might be pointless," or "I should skip it." But deciding to quit after just 7 or 8 years feels like they're throwing away the fun of chance—the excitement of not knowing what might happen—right from the start. That's why I deliberately assign young members tasks that seem boring at first glance but turn out to be surprisingly fun.

Source of this dialogue:

Editorial Perspective #03

At the core of both your loves for television and creativity lies the belief that "content is something crafted with soul by all generations living in that era." It's not about us, the generation in the middle, having to lead the way. Precisely because of this, you can approach the work of your predecessors, the talent of younger creators, and the people of the world with the same level of passionate respect. That is the very essence of this conversation.

They love past television programs from the bottom of their hearts and refuse to abandon hope for television's future. Far from abandoning it, their excitement never stops. Yet, they are dissatisfied with television's current state. They are pessimistic. They feel an intense sense of urgency. I deeply resonate with their sentiment that "we are in the gap of television history," and I find it reassuring. This is never a condescending observation. Regardless of age or profession, true professionals striving to master their craft possess this "gaps awareness" and respect for colleagues and others. It is this spirit that captivates the world.

The theme for the fourth installment of "Talking TV in the Gaps of Television" is: "Can people truly find happiness by pursuing efficiency?" Stay tuned.