This week, commercial television networks enter that twilight zone between seasons where they trot out the same variety standbys: real-life police documentaries, musical impersonation contests, blooper shows, etc.
TV Asahi is doing something different. The network is in the middle of moving to its new digs in Roppongi and therefore has to cut back on its production schedule. Taking a page from the bargain-basement policies of TV Tokyo, Asahi is presenting prepackaged travel shows all week long. Considering the fact that Golden Week is just around the corner, travel advice may be exactly what Japanese viewers are in the mood for, even if a lot of them are afraid of going to America or Europe due to the possible outbreak of war.
Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations for Japanese tourists in recent years: close, inexpensive and appealingly exotic. On "Mystical Vietnam: Beauty, Health & Gourmet" (Asahi; March 26, 2 p.m.), three Japanese celebrities -- two older women and one young man -- travel to the Southeast Asian country for the express purpose of finding a cure for their chronic fatigue, but it's mainly an excuse to eat, shop and sightsee.