It was announced at a press conference held at NHK in Shibuya, Tokyo on February 18th that Anzuki Akimoto, the original gymnastics host on the NHK Educational TV children's program "Okaasan to Issho" (Monday to Saturday, 7:45 AM), will be graduating from the program at the end of March. Starting from the March 30th broadcast, Ange, a native of Okinawa Prefecture, will join the program as the "dancing host."
Akimoto began rhythmic gymnastics at age six and has been active as a competitor for 13 years. She served as the first gymnastics sister for seven years from April 2019. Ange's father is British and her mother is Japanese, and she grew up in Okinawa Prefecture. She began classical ballet at age two and has since studied a wide range of dance genres. She is expected to graduate from university in March of this year.
Akimoto explained the reason for her graduation, saying, "These past seven years have been truly wonderful days, as I've been able to meet many friends and do exercises and move my body with them. There have been many times when I wish I could play in this place forever. However, the time I can spend on Okaasan to Issho is limited, and someday it will be time to pass the baton on to the next generation. When I thought about it like that, I felt that now is the best time for me, and I have no regrets and a sense of having done my best, so I have decided to graduate."
He continued, "I am able to be here with a bright and cheerful attitude thanks to my big brothers Yuichiro, Maya, Kazumu, my former friends, and everyone who has been involved with me. Also, the friends I have met and the people who have supported me have given me energy. Everyone's smiles and words have helped me a lot. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much."
The program will air a week-long "Anjutsu Onee-san Special" from March 23rd, featuring a quiz corner looking back on memories from the past seven years, rhythmic gymnastics games, and more. March 28th will be Anju's final appearance, and she will become a regular on the March 30th broadcast.
