ABC Announcer Iwamoto Leaves Radio Show; Yokoyama Takes Over

Keisuke Iwamoto, an announcer at Japan's ABC radio station, has announced that he is leaving the long-running radio program "Kinyobi no Papatachi" ("Friday Dads"), officially titled 'Iwamoto and Nishimori's Kinyobi no Papatachi.'

The announcement, often referred to in Japan as a "graduation" when a host steps down from a regular program, marks the end of Iwamoto's tenure alongside comedian Nishimori of the duo Monster Engine.

According to the report, Iwamoto will be succeeded from September by fellow ABC announcer Taichi Yokoyama, who is himself the father of one child.

The change will result in a new on-air pairing between Yokoyama and Nishimori, continuing the show's long-standing format built around discussions of fatherhood and family life.

Commenting on his new role, Yokoyama acknowledged that despite having a child of his own, he still feels he has much to learn. "As a dad, I am still not very experienced," he said.

His remark suggests a degree of humility as he takes on a program whose identity is closely tied to the everyday experiences and challenges of being a parent.

The report does not provide further explanation regarding Iwamoto's reasons for leaving the show, nor does it offer additional detail about how the program's format might evolve under the new pairing.

The transition appears to represent a generational handover between two ABC personalities, with the show's broader concept — exploring fatherhood through a radio format — expected to remain intact even as its hosts change.

Fans of the program are likely to watch closely for how the new chemistry between Yokoyama and Nishimori develops once broadcasts resume under the new lineup in September.