On March 28, 2025, NHK's Shoma Imai bid farewell to the viewers of "NHK News Ohayo Nippon," where he served as a weekday caster since its inception. The announcement of his graduation came during the broadcast, marking a significant moment for both Imai and his audience.
"I am very happy to have spent two hours every weekday morning with all of you," Imai expressed during his farewell address. He continued to extend his heartfelt gratitude, stating, "Thanks to everyone watching, I was able to wake up early every weekday morning and deliver the news. Thank you very much! I hope you will continue to support 'Ohayo Nippon' in the future." His emotional goodbye resonated with many of his viewers, who have tuned in to his broadcasts over the years.
Coinciding with Imai's departure, NHK's Haruna Asada also announced her graduation from the same program. Asada, 28, shared her news on the official X account of "NHK News Ohayo Nippon," where she reported live from a strawberry farm in Mitaka City, Tokyo. She highlighted the resilience of farmers amid rising fuel costs, showcasing innovative methods they employed to cultivate delicious strawberries.
Asada's announcement came with exciting news for her future role. "Today is my last day on 'Ohayo Nippon,' and starting in April, I will be in charge of the sports corner of 'Saturday Watch 9,'" she revealed. Her journey with NHK began in 2019, when she joined the organization and was initially assigned to the Akita branch. After gaining experience, she moved to the Nagoya branch in July 2021 and later transferred to the Tokyo announcer's office in April 2024.
The simultaneous graduations of Imai and Asada mark a significant transition for "NHK News Ohayo Nippon," a program that has become a staple for early risers in Japan. The show has built a loyal audience over the years, thanks in part to its engaging hosts and timely news coverage. As both casters move on to new opportunities, viewers are left with a sense of nostalgia for the familiar faces they have welcomed into their homes each morning.
As the program prepares for a new chapter, the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable. NHK has a reputation for producing quality news programming, and with new talent potentially stepping into the roles vacated by Imai and Asada, viewers are eager to see how the show evolves.
The impact of Imai and Asada's contributions to the program cannot be understated. Imai's warm demeanor and professionalism have made him a beloved figure among viewers, while Asada's vibrant reporting style has brought energy and enthusiasm to her segments. Their departures signal not just the end of an era for "Ohayo Nippon," but also the beginning of new adventures for both journalists.
Asada's move to the sports corner of "Saturday Watch 9" is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates NHK's commitment to showcasing diverse content. Sports reporting continues to attract a significant audience in Japan, and Asada's experience and passion for the subject will likely bring a fresh perspective to the program.
Meanwhile, Imai's future endeavors remain a topic of interest for fans. While he has yet to announce his next steps, the skills and charisma he demonstrated on "Ohayo Nippon" will undoubtedly serve him well in whatever path he chooses.
In a world where news consumption habits are constantly changing, the legacy of Imai and Asada will inspire future generations of journalists. Their ability to connect with viewers and deliver news with integrity has set a standard that many will aspire to meet.
As the sun rises over Japan each morning, the absence of Imai and Asada will surely be felt. Yet, the spirit of their contributions will continue to resonate with audiences, reminding them of the importance of reliable news and the human stories behind the headlines.
In closing, the farewell of Shoma Imai and Haruna Asada from "NHK News Ohayo Nippon" marks a bittersweet moment in Japanese broadcasting. Their dedication to informing the public and their engaging presence will be missed, but their future endeavors promise to keep them in the public eye. As NHK continues to adapt and innovate, the legacy of these talented journalists will undoubtedly influence the next generation of news presenters.
