Fuji Television's 23-year-old announcer Uegaki Kota made headlines on December 18 after his substitute appearance on the morning information program Mezamashi TV. Known for his role as the weather presenter on the weekend version of the show, Uegaki stepped up during the weekday broadcast after regular presenter Hayashi Yuka called in sick. His sudden appearance caught many viewers by surprise, with comments from fans flooding social media.
During the show, Uegaki greeted viewers with his trademark smile. He was introduced by fellow announcer Ito Toshihiro, who stated, "Today, because Hayashi is taking the day off, Uegaki will present the weather.” Uegaki responded with his signature poise: "Good morning everyone. I’ll be presenting today’s weather. Thank you for having me." He proceeded to deliver the weather report from the outdoor set at Odaiba.
While setting the tone for his first major weekday presentation, Uegaki noted, "There’s a possibility of the first snowfall today," painting a picturesque scene. When asked by Ito about how much snow was expected, he replied with a grin, "Just a few flakes may fall." His demeanor and professional tone stood out, capturing the attention of viewers throughout the broadcast.
Following the episode, Uegaki became a trending topic on social media platform X, with viewers expressing their delight at seeing him on air. Comments like "Seeing Uegaki this early is fantastic! His calm reading of the script was refreshing" and "I thought today was Saturday because Uegaki was on!" were common as audiences praised his performance.
It wasn’t just his poise on display; the overall reception of the broadcast highlighted Uegaki’s potential. Audiences remarked, “If he’s just one year out of school, he doesn’t seem like a newcomer at all,” with many asserting his talent would make him shine as he progresses. His performance has drawn comparisons to seasoned professionals, with praise coming from both fans and critics alike.
This wasn’t Uegaki’s first notable moment on Mezamashi TV. He had previously filled the shoes of Hayashi multiple times as the weather correspondent on weekends, but this weekday appearance marks his first opportunity to display his skills on the main show, and it did not disappoint. His stylish black jacket and gray scarf were complemented by his assured tone, rooted firmly in confidence.
Simultaneously, Mezamashi TV also featured special guest NiziU member RIMA, who appeared as the entertainment presenter for the month of December. Known for their hit song, RIMA showcased her energy alongside the Mezamashi Dancers, performing the group's popular jumping dance. RIMA called out to Uegaki during the show, saying, "Now let’s go to the weather, here’s Uegaki!" He responded pleasantly, seamlessly transitioning from entertainment to the weather forecast—showcasing both versatility and grace.
RIMA's fresh look during the broadcast attracted attention, especially her newly styled bangs, which garnered comments such as, “RIMA looks stunning this morning!” and “Who knew such adorable visuals would accompany such fire rapping!” The chemistry between her upbeat presentation and Uegaki’s calm demeanor was well-received, adding to the entertainment of the morning program.
Uegaki’s rapid ascent within the network has been remarkable. Just 12 days earlier, he was recognized as one of the top male announcers, placing fourth on the annual Oricon ranking of favorite male hosts, outperforming many veteran colleagues. His unique persona continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate the delightful blend of charisma and competence.
Viewer feedback continued to stream across social media, with many reflecting on how Uegaki balances professionalism with warmth. Notably, one user commented, "Just the fact he’s here filling in made my morning! He’s just so easy to listen to!" Such responses confirm his growing popularity and suggest he may soon solidify his place as one of Fuji Television's go-to hosts.
Overall, Uegaki's performance on December 18 speaks volumes not just about his potential but also reflects Fuji Television's commitment to elevatelayer newer talent within their roster. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure has placed him at the forefront of audiences' minds, indicating this may just be the beginning of his impressive career.
The future seems bright for Uegaki Kota. With continued support from viewers and opportunities like this, it’s clear he’s on track to carve out his niche as one of the key faces of early morning broadcasts on Fuji Television. Fans are already eager to see how he will continue to grow and where his career will take him next.
