On March 4, 2025, Yokoyama Daisuke will grace the stage of NHK's 'Uta-Con,' providing fans with cherished moments and reflections from his remarkable career as the longest-serving 'song brother' on the popular children's program 'Okasan to Issho.' Scheduled to air at 7:30 PM, this special appearance aligns with the NHK Broadcasting 100th Anniversary celebration, spotlighting various artists who have become household names.
Having captivated young audiences for nine years between April 2008 and March 2017, Daisuke's legacy resonates deeply with families. He recalls, "幼いころからの夢だった“うたのお兄さん”を大きなケガもなく全力で走り終えることができたことにホッとしています。" (translated: "It feels great to have completed my lifelong dream of being the 'song brother' without any major injuries.") His heartfelt statement encapsulates the essence of his role, not just as an entertainer, but as someone who provided joy and comfort to countless families.
The upcoming show promises to be special, featuring popular artists such as Aqua Timez, Erika Ikuta, and many others, alongside former 'song brothers' and 'song sisters'. This gathering exemplifies the rich history and dedication of NHK to children's entertainment, illustrating the impact it has had over decades.
Daisuke's roots as a performer trace back to his early childhood when he first encountered music. He recounts the pivotal moment when, at just three years old, he watched the live-action film 'The Blue Danube' and became enchanted by the Vienna Boys' Choir. He declared to his parents, "I want to sing with them!" This moment ignited his passion for music, setting the course for his future.
Reflecting on his school days, Daisuke shares, "I was just your ordinary boy who loved playing with friends." His elementary years were vibrant, filled with various extracurriculars including art classes where he learned to explore creativity beyond just drawing. "I attended art class from 1st to 6th grade. It was a fantastic experience where I got to experiment with colors and different mediums like copperplate and wood carving," he recalled, noting how these lessons shaped his artistic vision.
Alongside his artistic development, he joined a local children's choir at age eight. Daisuke passionately explained, "They focused more on having fun and singing loudly rather than technical prowess, which suited me perfectly. This was the beginning of my singing career, leading me to various choirs until college."
Fast forward to today, Daisuke is not only known for his musical talents but also as the father of a four-year-old daughter who brings joy and challenge to his life. Opening up about parenting, he shared insights on her struggles with kindergarten. "There were days when she cried every morning, refusing to get on the bus. I tried different strategies to make her excited to go, like taking detours to find bugs along the way or singing songs together," he explained, showcasing both his creativity and affection.
His storytelling paints vivid pictures of their morning routines, highlighting both triumphs and setbacks. On the days when his daughter still protests going to kindergarten, he playfully engages her imagination by saying, "That must be the 'no-no bug' bothering you! Let me take it away!" Through these moments, Daisuke expresses the continual learning involved in fatherhood, recognizing the significant difference between entertaining on camera and nurturing as a parent. "Raising my daughter is about discovering how to make everyday life enjoyable for her rather than just focusing on fun for one hour of filming," he observed.
The transition from being the beloved 'song brother' to nurturing his own daughter has certainly been enlightening. He emphasized, "It is not so simple; each day presents new challenges and solutions, teaching me just as much as I aim to teach her." This reflection captures the essence of parenthood, where both father and child navigate the uncharted waters of growth together.
Looking forward, Yokoyama Daisuke's participation on 'Uta-Con' not only revisits his past but also sets the stage for future endeavors. His engagement with fans highlights the warmth and connection he has built over the years, underlining his significance not just as an entertainer, but as part of many families' lives. With excitement swirling about his upcoming performance, audiences eagerly anticipate hearing his songs and seeing the heartwarming interactions he's known for.
Through every challenge faced, whether as the 'song brother' or as the doting father of his daughter, Daisuke continues to inspire those around him. He has transformed his passion for singing and performance gradually, making it resonate with each new generation. 'Uta-Con' serves as yet another avenue for him to express this passion, and audiences cannot wait to witness the joy, laughter, and music he brings to the stage once again.
With the coming of March 4, fans can look forward to celebrating not just the legacy of NHK Broadcasting but also the infectious spirit of Yokoyama Daisuke, whose career has touched hearts far and wide, promising to lift spirits once more through song and story.