It was announced at a press conference held at NHK in Shibuya, Tokyo on February 18th that Azuki Akimoto, the original gymnastics instructor for 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. Sakumoto Kazumu, the "gymnastics instructor" who teamed up with "Azuki Onee-san," also attended the press conference and expressed his gratitude.
Sakamoto, who will serve as the 13th Gymnastics Big Sister from April 2023, said, "He has been by my side for the past three years, always speaking to me kindly and being a very reassuring presence. I'm sure there was some pressure when he was appointed as the first Gymnastics Big Sister, but he always enjoys himself. The children who see him also enjoy themselves, and seeing this wonderful chain reaction made me think, 'I want to be a wonderful big brother like that,' and have lived my life to this day."
He continued, "Azuki-onee-san has a truly wonderful personality and warms my heart. She is like the sun, loved by everyone. I am looking forward to seeing Azuki-onee-san become active in many different fields from now on, and I want to continue to support her. Being able to carve my name into the history of this program, 'Okaasan to Issho,' together with Azuki-onee-san is an irreplaceable treasure. I am proud of this and would like to continue enjoying it."
Then she smiled and said, "Let's do DanDan together someday!", and Akimoto also had a big smile on her face.
Akimoto started rhythmic gymnastics at the age of six and has been active as a competitor for 13 years. She served as the first gymnastics sister for seven years from April 2019. It has also been revealed that her successor, "dance sister" Ange, a native of Okinawa Prefecture, will join the program. The program will air a one-week segment titled "Anzuki Onee-san Special" from March 23rd, featuring a quiz segment looking back on memories from the past seven years, as well as rhythmic gymnastics games. March 28th will be her final appearance, and Ange will become a regular from the broadcast on March 30th.
