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Jun 18, 20261
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NHK 'Asaichi' Host Denies Playing Violin After Comedian's On-Air Jab
During a June 18 broadcast of NHK's 'Asaichi,' comedian Daikiichi Hakata humorously suggested that announcer Naoko Suzuki had played violin on the show when guest violinist Taro Hakase appeared. Suzuki denied the allegation with confusion, though she had previously played a practice violin during Hakase's appearance in April of the previous year.
Quick Facts
Who
Naoko Suzuki (鈴木奈穂子) - NHK announcer, age 44
What
Hakata pointed out that Suzuki played violin on 'Asaichi'
When
June 18, 2026 - on-air incident
Where
NHK 'Asaichi' studio
- Hakata pointed out that Suzuki played violin on 'Asaichi'
- Suzuki denied playing the violin and appeared confused
- Hakata recalled Suzuki playing a practice violin when Hakase appeared as a guest
- The exchange occurred during a broadcast featuring a report from the Misasa Violin Museum
- Naoko Suzuki (鈴木奈穂子) - NHK announcer, age 44
NHK announcer Naoko Suzuki, 44, who hosts the morning information program "Asaichi," was playfully called out on air by Daikiichi Hakata, 55, of the comedy duo Hakata Hanamaru & Daikiichi, regarding her violin playing. During a broadcast on June 18, 2026, after viewing a report from the Misasa Violin Museum in Tottori Prefecture's Misasa Town, Hakata suggested that Suzuki was known for playing violin on the show, specifically recalling when violinist Taro Hakase appeared as a guest. "When Hakase came on, you were playing and looked like you were having fun," Hakata said with a knowing smile. Suzuki responded with visible confusion and denied the accusation, saying "That's not true." According to reports, Suzuki did have an opportunity to play a practice violin during Hakase's guest appearance on the program in April of the previous year. Suzuki, a native of Kanagawa Prefecture, joined NHK in 2004 and has worked at various stations before being assigned to the Tokyo Announcing Department. She has served as an anchor for several NHK news programs including "NHK News Ohayou Nippon," "News Watch 9," and "NHK News 7," before taking her current role as host of "Asaichi" in spring 2021 following maternity leave.
Topics
Why This Matters
This lighthearted on-air exchange highlights the unpredictable and entertaining moments that can occur during live broadcasting. For viewers of 'Asaichi,' it reinforces the casual, personable rapport between hosts and guests that makes the long-running morning show a staple of Japanese television. The incident also demonstrates how comedians leverage real details from past episodes to create humor, keeping both anchors and audiences engaged.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2004
WireSuzuki joins NHK after graduating from university
Jun 18, 2026
WireHakata makes on-air comment about Suzuki playing violin; Suzuki denies it