Kiyoshi Maekawa, the iconic 76-year-old singer, appeared live on Fuji TV's 'Pokapoka' on March 10, 2025, where he reflected on his remarkable career and shared insights about his parenting style. Joining him were his eldest son Genki and his second daughter Yuna, who added their perspectives on growing up with their father.
During the show, Maekawa reminisced about his debut on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, noting, "But my first appearance was not just due to my luck. It was because of my agency's power. The skill came later." His sentiments echoed throughout the episode as he discussed the dynamics of being both a father and a celebrated artist.
When asked about parenting, his children were quick to raise their hands affirmatively, signaling their agreement with the statement, "It’s unique. There aren’t many parents like him around." Genki humorously remarked, "It’s already hard to follow. You can tell when you see it!" Yuna chimed in, pointing out the incredible aspect of their father debuting on stage the same year he started, saying, "It’s unfathomable, really!"
Interestingly, Maekawa shared his unconventional parenting choices, admitting he has never shared a bed with his children. He humorously reflected on past instances where he neglected to check on them when they were unwell. For example, he mentioned, "When the kids coughed, I wouldn’t even ask, 'Are you okay?' I’d just head to my room. And why? Because I wanted to avoid getting sick myself," which sparked laughter from the audience.
Further showcasing his eccentric style, Genki revealed another family quirk: "Dad prioritizes horses over us, often spending his weekends at the racetrack instead of our school events." Maekawa chuckled at this, stating, "It’s horse racing over kids’ races for me." This lighthearted banter demonstrated the playful relationship they shared.
An amusing moment unfolded when Maekawa was asked if he remembers his children’s birthdays. He confidently asserted he did but mistakenly declared Yuna’s birthday as July 29, when it is actually June 19. Yuna, with youthful indignation, corrected him exclaiming, "That’s completely wrong! It's even the wrong month!" Their dynamic highlighted the close-knit family bonds, peppered with humor.
The show's host, Ayuki Iwai, later poked fun at Maekawa's misconceptions, leading to playful interactions among the participants, especially when Genta Matsuda from the idol group Travis Japan candidly responded to Maekawa’s probing question about agency influence on success with, "Now, how is it nowadays?” This honest and cheeky exchange drew laughter from the audience and showcased the delightfully candid atmosphere of the show.
Throughout the episode, Kiyoshi Maekawa presented himself as not just as a musical legend, but as a father who, with his unique parenting style, has imparted his values differently. While he jokes about the importance of horses and the rarity of his attendance at significant family events, his affection for his children shone through, reflecting the nuances of family life intertwined with celebrity.
By the end of the program, viewers were left with not only memories of Maekawa’s celebrated career but also insights on the peculiar yet loving family dynamics he has crafted. His candidness and humor ensured the show was both informative and entertaining, underlining the importance of balancing passion with family life.
Kiyoshi Maekawa's life, as shared on 'Pokapoka', provides rich material exploring the challenges and joys of parenting for someone immersed so deeply within the entertainment industry, making this episode memorable for all viewers.