“Ainori” takes its last trip

The Fuji TV reality/variety show “Ainori” will be ending its run after March, it was learned on Friday. The show, which started in October 1999, has averaged a 15.3% rating over its 432 episodes so far, which is very impressive for its Monday 11:00pm time slot.

Also known by its full title, “Renai Kansatsu Variety Ainori,” the show documents seven young singles as they travel around the world together in hopes of finding romance with one of the other participants. Those who find the courage to confess to their love interest are either rewarded by going home as a couple, or find themselves rejected and return to Japan alone. After each departure, new participants are added to the mix.

Up to this point, there have been 99 men and 86 women on the show. 43 couples have been born, with 8 of them going on to marriage. 2 couples so far have children. The show has gone around the world more than twice, visiting 90 countries and traveling more than 190,000 kilometers.

Fuji TV reportedly felt that the show has successfully achieved its mission, and decided to bring it to an end. It is not yet known what will replace “Ainori” in the network’s lineup.

Source:
Sankei Sports