What Is the Answer That Instructor 'Uika' Has Reached to Nurture Professionals? Boat Race 2026 CM Series 'From Zero to Pro: The Story of Coach Machida' Episode 9 'Instructor Uika's Decision'

The BOATRACE Promotion Foundation (Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) will release the ninth episode, titled 'Instructor Uika's Decision,' of its 2026 CM series 'From Zero to Pro: The Story of Coach Machida,' featuring Keita Machida, First Summer Uika, Katsuhisa Namase, Kota Honda, Seira Anzai, and Haruto Yoshida, beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Pay close attention to 'Seira,' the cool perfectionist student whose determination inspires 'Uika' to take her first step forward.

Episode 9, centered on two female cast members—a warm-hearted instructor and a perfectionist top student—depicts how 'Uika' comes into contact with 'Seira’s' passionate feelings during training. Realizing that within just one year, kindness alone cannot nurture true professionals from zero, 'Uika' makes a firm decision and takes her first step as a 'professional instructor.' Witness the powerful story and performances showcasing their mutual growth.

Following filming, interviews feature Uika, Anzai, and Yoshida reflecting on the pivotal scene in which 'Seira' reveals her inner thoughts—a highlight of the episode. Don’t miss this special content.

CM Story

Today's training involves disassembling and reassembling a motor within a time limit. When instructor Uika gives the signal to stop, Harto finishes on time and cheers, “Yes!” Meanwhile, Seira fails to complete the task and continues working. “You’ll get it next time,” Uika says gently, but Seira looks up earnestly and declares, “Instructor, please be stricter with me!” revealing her burning determination.

After training, Uika confides in rookie instructor Machida: “For these trainees, this one year is everything…” Determined to face aspiring racers who are staking their lives on boat racing, Uika solidifies her resolve. In subsequent sessions, she begins instructing firmly and loudly. Seira and Harto respond in kind, shouting “Yes!” with full energy.

Episode 9 'Instructor Uika's Decision' – Overview

Title: 'From Zero to Pro: The Story of Coach Machida' Episode 9 'Instructor Uika's Decision' (12 episodes total)

Broadcast Start Date: September 1, 2026 (Tuesday)

Broadcast Area: Nationwide

Music: Nanawo Akari – 'Boy Zen Girls' (original composition)

CM Website: https://lets-boatrace.jp/entertainment/cm/

Viewing URL: https://youtu.be/6sP9OvAkKa0?si=YlHHHJRTZEPQXlLH

CM Cut

Cast Interviews (Excerpts)

Recently, has anything someone said made you suddenly realize something?

Anzai:

I’ve realized people think my voice is lower than I thought.

Uika:

I noticed that too.

Anzai:

I try to raise my tone a bit when speaking with everyone.

Uika:

Visually, you’re perfect, but your voice is slightly lower than you might think. That’s why people often ask, “Are you feeling unwell?” or “Are you angry?” even when you’re not.

Anzai:

I’m not angry at all, yet people still ask, “Are you okay?”

Uika:

It’s your facial expression too—you have that cool beauty vibe.

Anzai:

It’s kind of a complex for me.

Uika:

It’s incredibly charming. This time, many strong-willed characters appear, with lots of dialogue. I felt deeply moved—your voice fits the role perfectly.

Yoshida:

There was that line, “I want to become a boat racer!” The tone really emphasized its strength, making it sound so determined.

Uika:

(posing with the three) Please definitely check out that scene.

Yoshida:

You summarized it well. (Everyone laughs)

CM Launch Campaign

A campaign offering prizes such as the 'dancyu Gourmet Gift Catalog CB Course' and '5,000 yen Amazon Gift Card'! Enter via official social media accounts between September 1 (Tue), 2026 and September 7 (Mon) at 18:00. For details, visit the campaign site!

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