On February 12th, NHK held a press conference at the Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, to discuss "2026 Domestic and International Broadcast Program Revisions and Main Program Casters." It was announced that announcer Kozo Takase, currently based at the Osaka Broadcasting Station, will be transferred to Tokyo and will co-host "NHK Nodo Jiman" (General TV, Sundays at 12:15 PM) from April alongside announcer Ai Tsukahara.
Takase originally wanted to be a journalist. When asked about being selected to host the show, which has been running for 80 years since its first broadcast in 1946, she said, "I was really surprised because it's quite different from the direction I had hoped for. However, it's not a show you can do half-heartedly, and I think it's a show I can pour all my energy into, so I want to contribute to making a great 'Nodo Jiman'."
She also revealed that when she was first assigned to the Niigata station, she had observed the recording of "Nodo Jiman," revealing, "When I was a rookie, I sang 'Number 0, Momoiro Toiki'." She added, "I think 'Nodo Jiman' is truly a program that praises humanity and hometowns. There will be laughter and tears, and I hope to be able to create that brilliance of life together with the contestants and deliver it to the viewers. I will be visiting various places from now on, so I look forward to the day I can meet you all."
Co-host Tsukahara expressed her joy, saying, "Since joining the station, I never dreamed that the day would come when I would be in charge of 'NHK Nodo Jiman,' so I am truly honored.It is a program that has been on the air for over 80 years and many people have participated with great care, so I am really looking forward to it."
The program has been hosted by announcers Tomomi Hirose and Naoki Ninomiya since April 2023.
The press conference was also attended by the station's announcers, Yoshio Arima and Maika Otani, who are in charge of "New Project X: Challengers" (General TV, Saturdays at 8 p.m.).
