Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

After seven years on the job, Rei Kikukawa signed off as co-host of NTV’s Sunday night news and variety program, Bankisha, on October 4. During her final weather report, Kikukawa, 31, started to say, “Today was cloudy,” but then had to put both hands to her face as she began to cry. A graduate of the University of Tokyo, Kikukawa said she had learned a lot on the show and was full of gratitude. She said she hopes to be back on the air one day. Kikukawa was replaced by NTV announcer Nana Suzue, 29.