Hearing the buzz surrounding TV programs such as "American Idol," "The X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent" (all originating in the U.K. but franchised internationally), it is clear that TV talent shows are booming.

Although there is no "Japanese Idol" or "Japan's Got Talent," this country has an obsession with TV talent shows. One of the most memorable was "Asayan."

The show, broadcast from 1995 to 2002, featured well-known musicians, such as Tetsuya Komuro and rock band Sharan Q, who would produce songs for the winners of the show.