On March 19, 2025, NHK's popular morning news program, Asaichi, showcased a special farewell as announcer Ikeda Akito marked his graduation from the show after two enriching years. The program, which airs Monday to Friday at 8:15 AM, focused on the theme of kindness, a topic that resonated deeply in the hearts of both the audience and the hosting team.
During his last appearance, Ikeda, 36, expressed profound gratitude for the shared moments and support from his colleagues. "The moment I felt a bit lost during the program, Daikichi and Hanamaru sent a message with their eyes like, 'We're here for you! You're okay!'" he shared, reflecting on the camaraderie that developed amongst the hosts over time. This heartfelt sentiment exemplified the warmth that Asaichi fostered within its create.
MC Suzuki Natsuki, 43, commenced the segment by honoring Ikeda's contribution to the program, stating, "Ikeda-san, today marks your graduation from Asaichi." With a smile, Ikeda replied, "I have been cared for over the past two years. From the next fiscal year, I will be in charge of Catch! World Top News at 10 AM, so please continue to watch that program too," emphasizing his transition to a new international role.
As the show highlighted the theme of understanding and kindness, Ikeda took the opportunity to narrate an unexpected yet touching experience. He noted that even in moments of uncertainty during live segments, the seasoned comic duo Hakata Daikichi and Hanamaru exuded a reassuring energy that made all the difference. "When I struggled a bit during the show, Daikichi and Hanamaru would send reassuring glances, almost saying, 'You've got this!'" recalled Ikeda, embodying the familial atmosphere cultivated on set.
Hakata Daikichi, commenting on the dynamic, humorously quipped about his own thoughts while watching Ikeda perform. "I might have been internally thinking, 'Just do fine!' while watching you," he joked, adding a lightheartedness to the otherwise sentimental moment.
Ikeda Akito, originally from Okinawa, joined NHK in 2012 and worked through various locations, including Niigata, Aomori, and Okinawa, before moving to the Tokyo announcer’s office in April 2023. His journey through the ranks demonstrated resilience and adaptability, valuable traits in the fast-paced world of broadcasting, paving his way toward this momentous change in role.
As Ikeda prepares to transition into international news, viewers are left with sentiments of bittersweet nostalgia. The kindness theme has not only served as a topic for discussion but a call to action for viewers to reflect on the support they can extend to others in their lives. The heartfelt goodbyes are a testament to the impact Ikeda’s presence had, not just on the program but also among the audience who followed their daily inspirations.
As they closed the chapter on this segment, Suzuki remarked, "With Ikeda's departure, we are reminded of how important kindness is in our daily interactions, and it’s heartening to see how the bonds we've built truly matter," underscoring the essence of their broadcast amid changing tides in broadcasting.
While Ikeda’s tenure on Asaichi may have concluded, the principles of kindness propagated through this platform will reverberate across the hearts and minds of viewers for times to come, as they look forward to catching him on Catch! World Top News, representing not only NHK but also the spirited kindness that shaped his journey.
