SMAP×SMAP

SMAP×SMAP is a weekly Japanese variety show built around the chemistry and talents of boy band SMAP. Each episode blends short comedic sketches, game segments and variety performance pieces, then moves into the signature Bistro SMAP cooking segment where members cook to impress celebrity judges. The program wraps up with a musical number, often featuring guest artists or full-group performances. It kept a light, playful tone, letting the hosts trade banter and showcase different skills, and it consistently drew a large audience without relying on serialized storytelling or dramatic twists.

The series premiered April 15, 1996, airing Mondays from 22:00 to 22:54 on Kansai TV and Fuji TV. The five SMAP members, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Takuya Kimura, Shingo Katori, Goro Inagaki and Masahiro Nakai, served as the show's regular hosts and performers throughout its run.

No major award wins or nominations are listed in the provided information, so specific accolades and years aren't documented here despite the program's long run and visibility.

SMAP×SMAP became a recognizable part of Japanese pop culture, helping raise the profile of its hosts and popularizing the blend of comedy, cooking competition and pop performance in prime time. Its high viewership turned segments like Bistro SMAP into talking points, and guest collaborations helped link the show to broader music and entertainment trends across Japan.

Critics and viewers typically praised the show for its easygoing format and the hosts' rapport, reflected in steady ratings above 20 percent and a community rating of 8.5/10 from user votes. The series focused on variety over narrative depth, balancing humor, light competition and musical showcases to appeal to wide audiences and to keep each episode entertaining on its own terms.