Japanese TV variety shows, which feature skits full of lampoons, cooking contests or ideas submitted by viewers on videotape, are in growing demand in Europe and the United States.
Some U.S. and European broadcasters want to produce their own versions of the shows. In response, Japanese TV stations are providing counterparts in the U.S. and some European countries, including Britain and France, with what they call "sale of programs in formats."
In August, major U.S. broadcaster ABC TV started airing a version of "Mirai Nikki" ("Future Diary"), based on the popular original "Unnan No Hontoko!" Japanese variety show.