TBS has announced a new lineup for its news program 'N-Sta', set to debut on March 31, 2025. The revamped format will feature a combination of fresh faces and familiar voices, aiming to enhance the viewing experience for its audience.
Starting March 31, the program will see a new duo take the helm from Mondays to Thursdays, with Takayuki Inoue and Maiko Izumizu teaming up as co-hosts. Meanwhile, Mahoko Hibi will continue to serve as the main caster on Fridays. This change comes as part of TBS's effort to refresh its programming and engage viewers with a dynamic presentation.
The catchphrase for the revamped 'N-Sta' is "Be your partner, N-Sta", reflecting the program's commitment to being a reliable source of news and information for its audience. Inoue and Izumizu will work together to bring viewers comprehensive news coverage, while also ensuring that the content is relatable and engaging.
In addition to the primary hosts, the program will feature sub-casters who will contribute to the news discussions. Sumire Yamagata, who joined TBS in 2017 and is known for her expertise in nutrition and health, will serve as the sub-caster from Mondays to Thursdays. Koki Takayanagi, a newer addition to the team who joined in 2021, will take on the role of sub-caster from Mondays to Fridays. Both bring unique strengths to the table, enhancing the program's depth and variety.
One of the highlights of the new format is the weather corner, which will be handled by Makoto Kawatsu, a popular weather forecaster with over 80,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Known for his engaging and straightforward approach, Kawatsu will provide viewers with honest and clear weather updates from Mondays to Thursdays. The 'Honest Weather' segment on Fridays will continue to be managed by Masamitsu Morita, ensuring consistency in the program's weather reporting.
April will also usher in a variety of daily commentators who will join the program to provide insights on various topics. The first episode on March 31 will feature Akihiro Akiba, president of Super 'Akidai', who is expected to share valuable perspectives on everyday life. Following him, the program will welcome a diverse lineup of guests, including Mahiro Yawata, who has passed the challenging Financial Planning Skills Test Level 1, and Ranmaru Kishiya, a businessman with a notable family background.
Sayaka Aoki, a talent who has overcome significant personal challenges, will also appear, sharing her experiences with the audience. Additionally, literary critic Kaho Miyake, who recently won the New Book Award 2025 for her work 'Why Can't I Read Books When I'm Depressed?', will contribute her insights on contemporary societal issues.
In a bid to make the program more accessible, 'N-Sta' is adopting a universal design approach. This includes increasing the size of the text displayed on-screen by 1.3 times compared to previous broadcasts, making it easier for viewers to read. The program will also consider color combinations that are friendly to those with visual impairments, ensuring a more inclusive viewing experience.
Another exciting addition to the show is a new segment called 'Today's Bargain', presented by Maiko Izumizu at 4 PM. This segment will delve into economic trends, helping viewers understand the implications of rising prices on their daily lives. Izumizu, who holds an MBA, will leverage her knowledge to provide insightful commentary on the economic landscape.
The 6:15 PM segment will be enhanced as 'That's what N-Sta investigated!', focusing on everyday questions and concerns that resonate with viewers. This segment aims to deliver real, on-the-ground information, addressing the topics that matter most to the audience.
For those who are pressed for time, a new corner titled 'Second-Sta' will debut at 6:30 PM, designed to deliver essential news updates quickly and efficiently. This initiative reflects the program's commitment to meeting the needs of its audience in a fast-paced world.
As the program evolves, it aims to foster a sense of community among viewers, encouraging them to engage with the content and share their thoughts. The team behind 'N-Sta' is dedicated to providing thorough research and clear explanations, building trust with their audience.
In a bittersweet moment, the announcement of the new lineup comes shortly after the departure of Chinatsu Horan, who graduated from 'N-Sta' on March 27, 2025. Horan expressed her gratitude to viewers on Instagram, stating, "On March 27, 2025, I graduated from 'N-Sta'. Thank you for the warm messages and comments. I was supported by everyone who always watches 'N-Sta' and was able to work as a caster for 8 years." Her departure marks the end of an era for the program, as she had been a familiar face since April 2017.
Horan's last broadcast was filled with emotion, as she reflected on her time with 'N-Sta', saying, "The ordinary daily life taught me that it is a very happy thing." Her fans have expressed their well-wishes and some even hope for a romantic future between Horan and Inoue, the show's co-host.
As 'N-Sta' embarks on this new chapter, the team is poised to deliver an engaging and informative news experience that resonates with viewers. With a focus on trust, accessibility, and diverse perspectives, the program aims to become an indispensable part of the daily lives of its audience.
