Straight Outta Sesame - NHK to launch new rap music series starring Elmo

Two rappers posing in an American city with Elmo and Cookie Monsters face superimposed on their heads

A new series from NHK will see Elmo and Cookie Monster performing raps written by Japanese children.

“Elmo’s Like It Rap” will air as part of NHK Educational TV’s upcoming childrens programming block “The Wakey Show”.

The series has been designed to encourage creativity, self-esteem, and mental well-being in children and features Elmo rapping alongside children from across Japan, accompanied by his “Sesame Street” companions Cookie Monster and Julia.

Elmo’s Like It Rap will feature Elmo and friends rapping alongside Japanese school children

“Elmo’s Like It Rap” will premiere on April 2nd 2025, at 7:00 AM, airing every Wednesday as part of “The Wakey Show” on NHK-E.

A total of 22 three-minute episodes have been commissioned which will showcase children performing original rap lyrics that they have written themselves.

The series aims to create an inclusive and engaging space where children can express themselves in a creative and empowering manner.

Elmo and his friends will demonstrate empathy and enthusiasm for the children’s interests, encouraging viewers to embrace their own passions and individuality.

The series is part of response to studies showing an increase in the stress levels experienced by Japanese children in their academic and social lives.

Three puppets next to each other: Elmo, DJ Wakey and Cookie Monster — The series will air as part of “The Wakey Show” on NHK-E

Manabu Nagaoka, VP Japan Representative of Sesame Workshop, emphasized the importance of creating environments that nurture mental health, self-esteem, and resilience. “We aim for ‘Elmo’s Like It Rap’ to be a place where children can express themselves and share their feelings with others.”

Masakazu Sato, Senior Producer of the Children’s and Early Childhood Education Group at NHK Educational, explained that “The Wakey Show” is a new daily program aimed at elementary school children, featuring DJ Wakey, a globetrotting character who shares his discoveries with young viewers.

“Wakey and Elmo are friends” Sato explained, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project. “We hope that by using the method of rap, which is popular among children, we can help open up the hearts of many children.”

The partnership between Sesame Workshop and NHK has a long and fruitful history.

“Sesame Street” originally aired on NHK Educational TV from 1971 to 2003, establishing a strong foundation of educational programming for Japanese children.

In recent years, the collaboration has continued through special programs such as “Sesame Street: Let’s Play at Elmo’s House” in 2020, “We Belong: Our Songs”, and “Everyone for Every Child,” a joint campaign between NHK and the Japan Committee for UNICEF.

Source: PR Times