NHK announcer Sachiko Koshio, 45, announced her graduation from the morning news program "NHK News Ohayo Nippon" during a live broadcast on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Koshio, who has been the caster for Monday to Thursday broadcasts starting at 5:00 AM, received a heartfelt farewell from her colleague, Ayuma Imai, who introduced her last appearance on the show.
As Koshio approached the end of her segment, she expressed her gratitude to the viewers, saying, "Thank you all for your support over the past three years." Dressed in a white blouse, she reflected on her time on the show, stating, "There have been many different mornings. I believe there were areas where I fell short, but I sincerely thank all the viewers who have watched over me warmly." With a smile, she added, "I hope today and tomorrow will be good days for everyone. Please continue to support 'Ohayo Nippon.'"
After transitioning to broadcasts in the Kanto and Koshinetsu regions, Koshio took a moment to bid farewell to her audience once more. She also announced that starting in April 2025, she would take over as the host of "Metropolitan Area Information Netadori!" airing on Fridays at 7:30 PM. Before concluding the program, she encouraged viewers one last time, saying, "Have a great day today!"
Koshio's departure marks a significant moment for the program, especially as her co-host, Mitsuki Sanno, had also graduated from the show just a week earlier on March 19, 2025. This leaves a notable change in the lineup of one of Japan's most-watched morning news programs.
Reflecting on her career, Koshio joined NHK in 2003 and has had a diverse journey through various roles, including stints in Matsuyama and Tokyo. She previously hosted "Ohayo Nippon" from 2006 to 2010, returning to the program in April 2022 after a 12-year hiatus. Her long-standing commitment to NHK has made her a familiar face to many viewers across the nation.
During her final days on the show, Koshio shared light-hearted moments with her colleagues. On March 26, 2025, weather forecaster Naoe Kondo humorously noted Koshio's struggle with hay fever, stating, "Today, please be cautious of yellow sand in various regions. And pollen is also flying around. Today's pollen information shows that Sachiko is crying!" Koshio responded with a laugh, confirming, "Yes, I'm crying, it's extremely high!" This playful exchange highlighted the camaraderie within the team and Koshio's approachable personality.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, Koshio's impact on "Ohayo Nippon" and its viewers will undoubtedly be remembered. Her dedication and warmth have left a lasting impression, and her future role in "Metropolitan Area Information Netadori!" is highly anticipated by fans.
In the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism, changes like this can be bittersweet. Koshio's journey reflects the evolving landscape of media and the personal connections that broadcasters forge with their audiences. As she steps into her new role, viewers will be keen to see how she continues to engage with them in a different format.
With her experience and deep understanding of the industry, Koshio is poised to bring her unique perspective to the upcoming program. Her transition not only marks an end but also a new beginning, reinforcing the idea that in journalism, every ending paves the way for new stories to unfold.
In conclusion, Koshio's graduation from "NHK News Ohayo Nippon" is not just a farewell; it's a celebration of her contributions to Japanese broadcasting. As viewers bid adieu, they also look forward to her new endeavors, hoping to see her continue to shine in the media landscape.
