Feb 18 • 07:04 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

The first dance sister from 'Oh! Mother' graduated as the gymnastics sister

NHK's children's program 'Oh! Mother' announces changes in its cast, with Akiyama Anzu graduating from her role as the gymnastics sister.

On the 18th, NHK announced changes in the cast of its children’s program 'Oh! Mother', with Akiyama Anzu graduating from her role as the 'gymnastics sister'. Starting March 30, Angé will join the program as the inaugural 'dance sister', marking a significant change in the show's history. Initially aired in 1959, the show has primarily featured male gymnastics performers until the introduction of Akiyama as the first female gymnastics sister in 2019.

Angé, a graduating student skilled in various dance genres including classical ballet and contemporary dance, expressed her enthusiasm during the announcement, sharing her desire to create smiles through dance and looking forward to playing with the children in the studio. NHK Educational's chief producer Kaoru Atami explained that Angé was selected based on her dancing skills and personality, further emphasizing the show's initiative to incorporate a dance sister, though it was not directly influenced by recent educational trends toward compulsory dance in schools.

Reflecting on her seven years with the show, Akiyama expressed her happiness in meeting many new friends and experiencing joy in gymnastics and dance. She viewed her graduation as a natural progression, believing it was the right time to pass the baton to the next generation while still cherishing her experiences. Other cast members will continue their roles, and the "Karada Dandan" segment with Angé and current gymnastics brother Kazumoto Sakumoto will also persist, ensuring continuity in the program's interactive approach to engaging with children.

📡 Similar Coverage