NHK E-TV's children's program "Okaasan to Issho" (Monday-Saturday, 7:45 AM). Before Akimoto Anzuki, the first gymnastics instructor on the show, graduates from the program on March 28th, we take a closer look at the charm of "Azuki-nee-san" (Big Sister Azuki).
Akimoto began rhythmic gymnastics at the age of six and competed as an athlete for 13 years. From April 2019 for seven years, she served as the first gymnastics instructor. On Wednesdays, she hosted the "Ota Magic Show" segment, where she played sound quizzes with her friends, and she also performed well-coordinated acrobatic gymnastics routines with the current gymnastics instructor, Kazumu Sakumoto, also known as "Kazumu-oniisan."
Meanwhile, in the monthly song "Momoiro Hoppe," which garnered much attention, she appeared in cute pink costumes alongside singer Nagatama-san and energetic kappa girl Mimomo, performing adorable choreography that drew comments such as "Super idol!" and "So cute!"
At a press conference held at NHK in Shibuya, Tokyo on February 18, she revealed the reason for her graduation, saying, "The time I can spend on 'Okaasan to Issho' is limited, and one day the time will come when I have to pass the baton to the next person. When I thought about that, I felt that now was the best time for me, and I decided to graduate because I felt I had done everything I could without any regrets."
Sakumoto, who was also present at the press conference, said, "Azuki-neechan has a truly wonderful personality, and she Pokapoka your heart. She is like the sun, loved by everyone. I myself am looking forward to seeing Azuki-neechan's activities in many fields from now on, and I want to continue to support her. It is an irreplaceable treasure that I was able to leave my mark on this historic program, 'Okaasan to Issho,' together with Azuki-neechan," offering the highest praise and wishing her continued success.
Furthermore, for this month's song of the month, "To Where I Want to Go," a special video of Akimoto was shown playing along with the song, featuring footage of her smiling wholeheartedly with children and acting cheerfully and brightly in the studio.
On social media, comments such as "I'm so sad that Azuki-neechan is graduating," "I cried when I saw the graduation version of Azuki-neechan," "I've been crying since this morning," and "It's really a graduation, isn't it?" made people realize once again how important Azuki-neechan was to them.
For one week starting with the March 23rd broadcast, the show will be titled "Anzuki-nee-san Special," looking back on seven years of memories. Of course, the gymnastics routine "Karada☆Dandan" will also be included, and she is sure to show her best smile to her "friends" and parents until the very end.
After Azuki-neechan's graduation, Ange, who hails from Okinawa Prefecture, will join the show as the "dance sister." Ange is enthusiastic, saying, "I would be happy if I could dance, sing, and do my own style of dancing with the friends and family who come to the studio," so we can look forward to the new "Okaasan to Issho."
