Nichiyō Tōron

[1] It often takes the format of a moderated debate between several politicians from parties represented in the National Diet and sometimes leading bureaucrats or non-political guests, although some editions feature interviews with only one guest.

Nichiyō Tōron debuted in 1994, but replaced a range of several talk shows on political and economic issues including Kokkai Tōronkai (国会討論会, "Diet forum"), a similar Sunday morning political talk show that had been on air since 1947 on radio and since 1957 on television.

The debate is usually held in NHK's Chiyoda Hōsō Kaikan studio in Kioichō in central Tokyo, close to Nagatachō, where the Diet building, the national Liberal Democratic and Democratic party headquarters as well as the prime minister's office (Kantei) and residence (Kōtei) are located.

On days of by-elections for the national Diet or the unified local elections, Nichiyō Tōron also generally avoids presenting partisan positions by inviting non-politicians.

In the legal campaigning period before a national election, Nichiyō Tōron sometimes takes the NHK Special 9 p.m. slot or airs on Monday night after an election.