Problem Child “Kanata” and Honor Student “Seira” Already Striking Sparks!? Boat Race 2026 CM Series: “From Zero to Pro: The Instructor Machida Story” Episode 4: “The Trainees’ Ambition”

The BOAT RACE Promotion Association (Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) will release Episode 4, “The Trainees’ Ambition,” of the 2026 Boat Race CM series, “From Zero to Pro: The Instructor Machida Story,” on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The series stars Keita Machida, First Summer Uika, Katsuhisa Namase, Kanata Hosoda, Seira Anzai, and Haruto Yoshida.

Focus on the “Capacity” of Chief Instructor “Namase,” who believes that strong personalities are worth nurturing!

Episode 4, “The Trainees’ Ambition,” centers on the “rivalry” between classmates. As the big-mouthed “Kanata” and the perfectionist “Seira”—both strong-willed individuals—clash intensely during training, the instructors watch the situation unfold with different perspectives. Please pay attention to the performances: the sparks flying between “Kanata” and “Seira,” the broad-mindedness shown by veteran instructor “Namase,” and the resolve of the rookie instructor “Machida.”

In the post-filming interview, Keita Machida, Kanata Hosoda, and Seira Anzai, who brought excitement to Episode 4, appeared. They shared stories about times they felt they had “done well in a short period,” reflecting on the fact that the training center turns trainees into professionals in just one year.

CM Story

To master the basics of boat handling, the trainees use paddles to row their boats. “I’m the best!” Kanata shouts as he begins to row desperately, but the boat doesn’t move as he expects, and he is left far behind by his classmates.

Frustrated by Kanata, the perfectionist Seira snaps, “People who are all talk should just go home,” leading to an intense confrontation between the two. While rookie instructors Machida and Uika hold their heads in their hands, wondering, “How am I supposed to manage these two?”, Chief Instructor Namase watches the conflict with a sense of reliability, remarking, “They’re all worth nurturing.” Having decided to face them head-on, Machida renews his determination, saying, “I have to do this!” and Kanata also fuels his fighting spirit against his “rival,” declaring, “I’m never going to lose!”

Overview of Episode 4: “The Trainees’ Ambition”

Title: “From Zero to Pro: The Instructor Machida Story” Episode 4: “The Trainees’ Ambition” (12 episodes total) ■ Broadcast Start Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 ■ Broadcast Region: Nationwide ■ Music: BLUE ENCOUNT “Genjitsu” (Newly written) ■ CM Website: https://lets-boatrace.jp/entertainment/cm/ ■ Viewing URL: https://youtu.be/FvCAPJb7kxc?si=c4DcSqVC3d32MyaL

Performer Interview (Excerpt)

Have you ever felt, or been told by others, that you “did well in a short period of time”?

Mr. Hosoda: There was a time I had to gain weight for a role, and the director asked me, “Can you gain weight by the costume fitting?” but he told me that only two weeks before filming. I gained 13kg in two weeks.

Mr. Machida: That’s amazing, but I wish you had a bit more time (laughter from all).

Ms. Anzai: When I was 19, I went to climb Mt. Fuji, and I got it into my head that I would climb it in a single day. It took about 15 hours round trip. (To the surprised pair) That is something I worked hard on in a short period.

Mr. Machida: The summit was just a transit point (laughter from all). Because after climbing with such effort, you’d normally want to feel a sense of accomplishment while drinking coffee and relaxing.

Ms. Anzai: But I just took a photo and came back (laughs).

Mr. Machida: In high school, we had a “50km Walking Race.” Regardless of gender, from first to third years, we’d start at 6:00 AM and go (laughs). It took about six and a half hours to get back. When everyone finished, we’d drag our bodies to the dormitory’s large bath and say, “This feels so good~.” And the next day, the dorm would turn into something out of Resident Evil (uproarious laughter from all).

Ms. Anzai: Because your body is completely wrecked.

Mr. Machida: 50km is truly insane. There were snacks along the way, and when I ate a banana at the 40km mark, I recovered instantly. Since then, I’ve loved bananas. So, I want to say “You did well in a short period” to the banana (laughter from all).

CM Release Campaign

We are holding a campaign where you can win a “Panasonic Lift Care Facial Device Vitalift Kassa EH-SP86 + Original CM Goods” or an “Amazon Gift Card worth 20,000 yen”! You can apply via our various official social media accounts from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7. For details, please visit the campaign site!

URL: https://lets-boatrace.jp/entertainment/cm/cp/2026episode/