NHK announced on February 10th the appointment of Nakayama Kana as the main anchor for its morning news program, "NHK News Oha Nippon," effective April. Nakayama, who recently gained recognition for her hosting role during the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony, will officially be introduced as the program's new face on February 12th.
The main anchor position at "Oha Nippon" has been held by notable figures such as Kanko Maho and Wakuda Mayuko. An NHK insider noted, "This morning news program serves as the start of the day. It requires anchors to respond flexibly to emergencies, which places significant responsibility and expectations on Nakayama." The insider emphasized the importance of her performance as NHK’s flagship news program, paralleling it with other major broadcasts like News 7 and News Watch 9.
Nakayama, whose career with NHK began in 2014, has previously worked at the Matsue and Hiroshima branches before transferring to the Tokyo news center in 2019. Currently, she is seen anchoring programs such as the noon news. Staff members have praised her quick response and stability during live broadcasts, underscoring her readiness for the new challenges this prestigious role will bring.
One significant moment highlighting Nakayama's capabilities was her coverage of Shinzo Abe's assassination last year, where she broke the news to the public with clarity and urgency. Her reputation was elevated again during the coverage of the Noto Peninsula earthquake last January, when she and fellow anchor Yamauchi Izumi issued evacuation warnings. Such experiences played a pivotal role in her selection to cover the Olympics—a notable first with the event being held outside the stadium, streamed from the Seine river.
During the opening ceremony, Nakayama was responsible for delivering insights and information about the participating countries as athletes entered on boats, showcasing her ability to blend detailed reporting with engaging commentary.
Starting April, she is scheduled to anchor the program Monday through Thursday during the 6 and 7 AM time slots. Current anchor Shuto Nachiko is expected to step back from the program. NHK insiders are optimistic, stating, "This is Nakayama's chance to shine as the face of the morning news. We hope she eventually hosts major events like the Kohaku Uta Gassen."
Nakayama was born in 1991 in Hiroshima Prefecture and is an alumnus of the University of Tokyo. Her diverse experiences at NHK include narrations for programs such as "Darwin ga Kitar" and hosting "Heart Net TV." Combining her professional pursuits with personal interests, Nakayama enjoys cooking, exploring restaurants, and listening to comedians on the radio.
With Nakayama's new prestigious role, NHK is making significant strides to connect with audiences through trusted and relatable reporting. Her previous achievements not only reflect her skills but also the station's commitment to adapt to the ever-evolving media environment. Stay tuned as Nakayama endeavors to bring viewers engaging, reliable news every morning, starting this April.