Mekuri (Reveal Plate)
'Mekuri' is a television production and studio broadcasting industry term referring to a peel-off sticker or conceal paper placed on a flip board (large presentation panel) to hide key details.
It describes both the scenic prop itself and the production technique of peeling off the cover to reveal hidden information (such as numbers or keywords) at the precise moment of narration or a guest's reaction.
- Gradual Information Disclosure: An analog prop technique designed to maintain the audience's and studio guests' interest while controlling the broadcast tempo.
- The Power of Physical Interaction: Despite the dominance of CG and digital screens, the physical suspense of the 'peel-off moment' remains highly effective, making it a staple in news and variety shows.
- Risk of Live Mishaps: Adhesive that is too strong can ruin the prop, or studio lighting can cause the hidden text to show through, leading to classic live television slip-ups.
The Origin and Role of 'Mekuri' in Television
The word 'Mekuri' is a direct nominalization of the Japanese verb 'mekuru' (to peel or turn over). While its historical roots trace back to traditional Japanese theaters (yose) for showing comedy performers' names, the television industry adopted it as a specific technical term for 'peel-off concealers on explanation boards'.
In news shows and variety programs, a mekuri board serves as a **powerful storytelling device** rather than just a cover. Showing all information at once risks losing the viewer's attention, causing them to channel-surf (zapping). By hiding the core takeaway behind a mekuri and having the host peel it off with a dramatic reveal, producers ensure viewers remain locked to the screen.
Practical Conversation Example
Director A: 'For the explanation flip board in this feature, please make the tax impact figures a "mekuri" to build suspense.'
Assistant Director B: 'Understood! I'll order the art department to apply a nice navy "mekuri" over the numbers on the live flip board. I'll make sure it peels off smoothly during the rehearsal.'
Mekuri Flip Boards vs. Digital CG
Comparing the characteristics of information disclosure methods.
| Item | Mekuri Flip Board (Analog) | Digital Graphics / CG |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Texture | Physical, live feel, warm and cozy | Futuristic, clean, sharp and precise |
| Mishap Frequency | High (stuck paper, translucent look, board falling) | Low (only system bugs or timing mistakes) |
| Audience Perception | Tension in the reveal, variety show atmosphere | Efficient and smooth information flow |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: With the rise of large touch screens in studios, is the 'mekuri' method becoming obsolete?A: No, even with the prevalence of touch panels and CG, 'mekuri' remains highly popular. It is far cheaper to produce than developing screen systems, avoids catastrophic system crashes, and the physical act of a presenter peeling a sticker acts as a strong eye-catcher that drives audience engagement.
Important Etiquette and Common Mistakes
When creating a 'mekuri' board, there are strict rules for professional execution. First, always fold a small tab at the corner of the peel-off sheet. Without this, presenters will struggle to grab the edge with their fingernails, resulting in painful seconds of dead air during a live broadcast. Second, when writing text underneath, if the conceal paper is too thin, the strong studio lights will make it translucent, revealing the answer early. Production assistants must use thick, specialized light-blocking sheets to uphold quality. Such invisible details are what support beautiful, high-end broadcasting standards.
About "Mekuri (Reveal Plate)"
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