青葉市子の『FLAG RADIO』2026 7 15

Overview

Ichiko Aoba hosts FLAG RADIO from Alpha Station, checking in after a trip around Kyoto—visiting her father and soaking up the festival-season atmosphere and humid “rainy season” soundscape. Even with her busy schedule of school and part-time work, she says the gentle, forest-like ambience she hears in Kyoto Station and across town still comforts her.

Concert Reflections and Listener Praise

A major portion of the episode is celebratory and reflective. Aoba shares feedback about her NHK Hall concert on July 2, titled “Tropical Fish Written in the Moonlight.” She also plays back listener messages that describe the performance atmosphere as:

• cinematic and dreamlike
• miraculous
• rich in careful details—such as sound, lighting, set design, projected writing, and the recurring “glass pen” visual motif

Spotlight: “Sayonara Penguin”

A highlight is Aoba’s discussion of the newly released song “Sayonara Penguin” (July 3). She explains that:

• the concept took two years to develop
• the music video was directed by Koichiro Tsujikawa
• the team created plush toys and animated them into a CG-style video

Listeners respond with heartbreak and strong emotion. One message notes the song was originally written while she was crying hard—and that the sorrow ultimately became something that brings smiles worldwide.

Humor and Behind-the-Scenes Chaos

Between fan letters, Aoba mixes in jokes and “behind-the-scenes” chaos, including:

• a “bomb” (drink) story that leads to a hangover punchline
• riffs on the video details, including sound design like the penguin footsteps/chirps
• a joke about there being a “second verse,” followed by: “Number 2 is sleeping.”
• merch updates: T-shirts are available for now, though listeners keep asking for more (plush toys, etc.)
• a tease about wanting to make LINE stickers, with her admitting she doesn’t fully know how to create or distribute them yet

Listener Spotlights

The show includes listener spotlights featuring vivid, personal concert experiences, such as:

• a front-row attendee describing the show as a goddess-like arrival
• an overseas traveler appreciating Japan’s quiet-but-deep audience listening

Special Theme Segment: Alpha Station Anniversary

A special theme segment follows: Black Radio / Alpha Station dissolution music programming for Alpha Station’s 35th anniversary. Taro Umebayashi curates tracks connected to 1991 (the station’s final year).

The lineup includes selections tied to related documentary/performance history and 90s memories—with live reactions to the coolness of the choices. Mentioned references include Sonic Youth, Stereolab, and other 90s-leaning picks.

Closing Announcements and Future Plans

In the closing stretch, Aoba announces upcoming releases and activities, including:

• free distribution of a FLAGADY listener illustration/badge
• promotion of the “Sayonara Penguin” music video
• a re-pressed Eco Vinyl release with English lyrics
• multiple upcoming live appearances and international dates
• an upcoming theater-related project featuring Taro Umebayashi’s music and Aoba’s theme/song contribution for an animated film (“Shiro Nui”)

Standout Elements

Overall, the video stands out for:

• Aoba’s warm host personality
• emotional NHK Hall recaps
• immersive production talk, especially around “Sayonara Penguin”
• a charming mix of tender reflection and small comedic asides

Personalities Mentioned / Appearing

• Ichiko Aoba (host)
• Taro Umebayashi (composer/music selector in the theme segment)
• Koichiro Tsujikawa (music video director referenced for “Sayonara Penguin”)
• Mentioned collaborators/teams: the Dwarf members, NHK Hall production staff, and other concert-related staff/artists (e.g., lighting, sound, stage direction)