TV Tokyo announcer Yo Saito has been selected as the fifth assistant for the popular variety show "Moyamoya Summers 2 (Moyamoya Summers)" (Saturday 11:30 AM), which features the comedy duo "Summers," and is attracting attention. Looking back on his days since joining the show in July, he revealed, "I'm making many new discoveries, learning more every day, and having fun working." We spoke to announcer Saito.
"Moyamoya Summers" is a city walking show in which the comedy duo "Summers" Kazuki Otake and Masakazu Mimura, along with three assistants, stroll around town, commenting on things that make them feel "frustrated." The assistants were first Mariko Oe, then Eri Kano and Noriko Fukuda, and finally Hitomi Tanaka, who served as the fourth assistant for six years, before being handed over to Saito.
Saito joined TV Tokyo in April this year and made her debut as an announcer on the July Getsuku broadcast of "TV Tokyo Music Festival 2025." "Moyamoya Summers" was her first variety show. Naturally, there was pressure in taking on such a big role in her first year.
"I was naturally nervous because I had only been with the company for a few months. It made me feel on edge and I was filled with the desire to do my job well. My seniors on the program, Kano-san and Tanaka-san, as well as the senior announcers and program staff, have all been so kind to me, and I am blessed to be working in such a wonderful environment."
He jumped into the "Moyamoya Summers" set with almost no knowledge of variety shows.
"Both Otake and Mimura were very considerate to me, who didn't know anything, and they were really kind. They talked to me even when the cameras weren't rolling and taught me where to stand, so I was able to learn in a wonderful environment."
Saito, who is in his early twenties, says that despite the age difference, the impression he gets from the two members of "Samaazu" is that they "feel almost like fathers."
"They always embrace me with kindness and watch over me, telling me that everything will be okay no matter what I do, so I try to be myself. The backs of the two of them on location are dazzlingly cool."
With the help of the two members of "Samaazu," he revealed that he has "discovered a surprising amount" during the program recordings.
"When we had soba noodles together (on the August 30th broadcast), they pointed out to me that I might not be able to slurp the noodles when I eat them. I discovered many things about myself that I hadn't noticed before. Otake-san told me several times that it was like talking to a big elementary school kid."
Saito also said, "Not just ' Moyamoya Summers,' but I have had the opportunity to participate in the recording of several programs, and it has made me realize once again how many people are involved in them." He added, "Being able to play a part in the process of creating something together is rewarding, but also a job that comes with great responsibility. That is why I want to work carefully and with all my might."
My thoughts on this matter as an assistant on "Moyamoya Summers" have not changed.
"Together with the 'Summers' and all the staff, I will work hard in everything I do, while also remembering to have fun, so that we can create a wonderful program."
