It's spring and time for the networks to start rolling out their latest batch of series.
One of the new variety programs premiering this week is TV Asahi's half-hour "Tales of Great Mothers," which starts tonight at 6:30. Hosted by former NHK anchorman Takero Morimoto, the show utilizes dramatic recreations, existing interviews and archival footage to explore "the love of great mothers of heroes who changed history."
As a great man once said, history begins when memory ends, so it's not clear exactly how the "heroes" who will be covered in coming weeks have changed the world since most of them are still alive and active: judo star Ryoko Tamura, comedian/director "Beat" Takeshi Kitano, golfer Tiger Woods and the brothers Ishihara: actor-singer Yujiro (dead, but hardly forgotten) and Tokyo Gov. Shintaro.