Nippon Broadcasting is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a series of special programs featuring beloved personalities from the Japanese entertainment industry. Among these, the highly anticipated "Akiko Yano's All Night Nippon Premium" has garnered significant attention, especially as it marks the first time Princess Akiko has taken on the role of radio personality. The program aired on April 21, 2025, and has since received overwhelming positive feedback from listeners.
In a historic moment for the royal family, Princess Akiko, who is known for her engagement in various cultural activities, stepped into the world of radio, becoming the first member of the royal family to host "All Night Nippon" in nearly 50 years. The last royal to hold this position was Prince Akihito, affectionately known as "His Highness Hige." This significant milestone has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans and listeners alike.
During the broadcast, Princess Akiko shared personal anecdotes, including her emotional experiences related to high school baseball and her visits to manga cafes. She also discussed her involvement with rugby and the initiatives of "Kokoroyusasha," an organization she founded to promote traditional Japanese culture among children. In addition to her stories, the program featured rare audio clips of her grandfather, Prince Akihito, and her father, Prince Akihito, from their past appearances on Nippon Broadcasting programs.
The response on social media was instantaneous, with the hashtag #AkikoYanonoANNP trending as listeners expressed their enthusiasm and shared their thoughts. Many fans voiced their desire for more episodes, with comments like "I want to listen every week" flooding platforms. Due to the high demand for the program, which was initially broadcast exclusively on Nippon Broadcasting, the decision was made to release a director's cut version of the show as a podcast, allowing even more fans to engage with the content.
This director's cut will include segments that were cut from the live broadcast, providing an extended experience for listeners. The recording session was described as vibrant and engaging, exceeding the original two-hour runtime. Notable guests Kyuro Nakamura and Hachi Tachikawa also made appearances on the show, adding to its appeal.
In addition to Princess Akiko's debut, Nippon Broadcasting is also featuring other prominent artists in special programs. Singer Chisato Moritaka, 56, is set to host "Chisato Moritaka Music File ~LIVE Sound Source Special~" on April 29, 2025. This will be the third installment of her music file series, following themes of "Travel" and "Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter" from previous broadcasts.
The upcoming episode will focus on live sound sources from Moritaka's past performances, including her first concert in Shibuya in September 1987. Moritaka plans to reflect on her experiences, including wardrobe choices and concert mishaps, during the two-hour program. She expressed her excitement about revisiting her past live performances, stating, "I listened to past live sound sources for the first time in a while, and I was filled with memories from that time, and it was really fun. Please listen to the program on a holiday afternoon and savor the feeling of participating in a LIVE performance." This special episode promises to be a nostalgic journey for fans of Moritaka's music.
Furthermore, on April 26, 2025, Nippon Broadcasting will present a live special program titled "Miho Nakayama P.S. I LOVE YOU FOREVER," celebrating the career of Miho Nakayama, who debuted in 1985 and quickly became a national sensation after winning the Japan Record Awards Best New Artist Award.
During her decade-long tenure as a radio personality, Nakayama hosted the program "Miho Nakayama Chotto Dake Kakko C" upon her debut, transitioning to "Miho Nakayama P.S. I LOVE YOU" in 1990, where she shared her thoughts and feelings with listeners. The upcoming special will showcase recordings from her radio show, along with many songs that have resonated with fans over the years.
The program will be hosted by Mitsu Mangrove, who has described Nakayama as a "milestone of the times," alongside free announcer Tadashi Tanihana. This live broadcast will include listener interactions, allowing fans to share their memories and requests, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all involved.
As part of the celebrations, a farewell event for Nakayama was held on April 22, 2025, and a concert commemorating her 40th anniversary in the industry is scheduled for June 18, 2025, at NHK Hall. This concert, titled "Miho Nakayama 40th Anniversary Concert -Un- ~ P.S. I LOVE YOU ~," is expected to draw significant attention as it honors Nakayama's enduring legacy in the Japanese music scene.
With these exciting developments, Nippon Broadcasting is not only celebrating its own anniversary but also highlighting the incredible contributions of these artists to Japanese culture. The blend of nostalgia, personal stories, and musical history promises to create a captivating experience for listeners across the nation.
