Documentary Follows the Growth of a New Pony – Behind-the-Scenes of its Debut Filmed by a New Director

ITSUCOM Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Keita Nemoto; hereinafter ITSCOM) will broadcast the program "A Big Dream on a Small Back – 198 Days Until Asahi-kun’s Debut” on ITSCOM Channel* on July 5, 2026 (Sun).

[URL] https://www.itscom-ch.jp/article/detail/39/

"I personally love animals, so I was purely happy when I heard about this story." These are the words of the new director, Ikeda, who was in charge of the program "A Big Dream on a Small Back – 198 Days Until Asahi-kun’s Debut."

New pony Asahi-kun and Director Ikeda

"Kodomo-no-Kuni," a nature park in Aoba-ku, Yokohama City, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. At this milestone, during a conversation with the vice-director, the new pony "Asahi-kun," who had come to the park’s ranch to give children rides, was introduced. Director Ikeda began covering Asahi-kun in October 2025. Initially, there was a plan to introduce him as a short news segment, but as the interviews progressed, the desire to convey Asahi-kun’s growth into a riding pony more carefully grew stronger.

Director Ikeda filming Asahi-kun, who came to Kodomo-no-Kuni

Director Ikeda films Asahi-kun as he prepares for his debut while gradually increasing the difficulty of his training. On the other hand, he recalls that the filming was a series of struggles. "Because he is an animal, I couldn't predict his movements, and it was difficult to film at the exact moment I intended." Nevertheless, by continuing the interviews, he was able to record Asahi-kun’s changing appearance with the changing seasons.

Asahi-kun training for his debut as a riding pony. Hoof care is also an important part of health management.

Mr. Hashimoto, who trains Asahi-kun, is a veteran keeper who has debuted many ponies. He watches over their growth while minimizing stress so that the ponies can live healthy lives. The program also focuses on Mr. Hashimoto, who supports Asahi-kun.

Keeper Mr. Hashimoto training Asahi-kun. Facing Asahi-kun to ensure he lives happily.

Having gained experience through training, Asahi-kun finally had his debut as a riding pony in April of this year. The program is filled with the growth of Asahi-kun and the feelings of the people who stayed by his side every day.

Finally debuted as a riding pony, he is actively working with energy.

This program is the first documentary directed by Director Ikeda. "It was a truly good experience to be able to follow Asahi-kun’s growth. I would be happy if viewers feel like they want to meet Asahi-kun and ride him after watching the program. By the way, my personal favorite scene is the training to get used to sounds and textures. Asahi-kun’s expression when he has a plastic bag on him is surreal and cute."

Director Ikeda

The program "A Big Dream on a Small Back – 198 Days Until Asahi-kun’s Debut”, which depicts the record of Asahi-kun’s growth with the straightforward perspective unique to a new director, will be broadcast on ITSCOM Channel.

Program Overview [Program Title] A Big Dream on a Small Back – 198 Days Until Asahi-kun’s Debut [Broadcast Date and Time] July 5 (Sun) 18:00-18:19 *Rebroadcast: July 12 (Sun) 21:40-22:00, July 26 (Sun) 18:30-18:50 [Broadcast Channel] ITSCOM Channel 11 (Digital 11ch)

https://www.itscom-ch.jp/article/detail/39/

*ITSCOM Channel: A channel produced and broadcast by ITSCOM. Broadcast on Digital 10ch and 11ch.

How to Watch: https://www.itscom-ch.jp/guide/

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About ITSUCOM Co., Ltd.

Brand Message: "Connecting people, towns, and the world. ITSCOM."

ITSCOM is a Tokyu Group company that provides essential social infrastructure services such as high-speed internet, mobile, cable television, IP telephony, and IoT to approximately 1 million households, primarily along the Tokyu Line. It also operates businesses for corporations (companies and government agencies), working to create a prosperous living environment through various solutions including dedicated internet connection services, commercial Wi-Fi, digital signage, and regional BWA.

Representative: Keita Nemoto, President and CEO

Location: Setagaya Business Square Tower 22F, 4-10-1 Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Major Shareholder: Tokyu Corporation

Company Establishment: March 2, 1983 / Broadcast Launch: October 2, 1987

Capital: 5.294 billion yen

Service Areas: Shibuya Ward, Meguro Ward, Setagaya Ward, Ota Ward, Machida City in Tokyo Takatsu Ward, Nakahara Ward, Miyamae Ward in Kawasaki City Aoba Ward, Midori Ward, Kohoku Ward, Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City

Business Activities: Telecommunications business under the Telecommunications Business Act, General broadcasting business (cable television broadcasting business) under the Broadcasting Act, etc.

Service Site: https://www.itscom.co.jp

Corporate Site: https://www.itscom.co.jp/corporate/