Tokyo International News Agency

The beloved anime "Konna Ko Iru Kana" (Do Such Children Exist?), once a sensation within NHK E-tele's long-running children's program "Okaasan to Issho" (With Mother), is set to make a comeback after approximately 40 years. Its return, announced for Monday, March 30, 2026, has ignited a massive buzz across social media. Originally broadcast for five years starting in 1986, the series captivated the hearts of children of that era with its message of "Everyone is different, and everyone is good," conveyed through its 12 uniquely individual characters. News of the revival has led to an outpouring of joy and emotion on X (formerly Twitter), with comments such as "Too nostalgic!" "Perfectly my generation!" and "So incredibly happy!" Many users shared cherished childhood memories, with numerous posts detailing specific anecdotes like "I owned all the picture books," "I played with the finger puppets," and...

Azuki Akimoto, affectionately known as "Azuki Oneesan" (Big Sister Azuki), who served as the first "Taiso Oneesan" (exercise big sister) for seven years on NHK's popular children's program "Okaasan to Issho," has announced her departure from the show this spring. This news has sparked an outpouring of farewell messages from fans on social media. Azuki Oneesan, who began her role as Taiso Oneesan in April 2019, is scheduled to make her final appearance on March 28th. Following her departure, Kazumu Sakumoto, who serves as the first "Odori no Oniisan" (dance big brother), will continue to be a prominent figure on the show starting March 30th, taking on an expanded role that includes leading physical activities. In response to this graduation announcement, social media has been flooded with comments like "Too sad" and "Nothing but gratitude." Many messages of thanks have poured in from parents raising young children, expr...