The Tense Situation at NHK: Shocking Reasons Behind Maayuko Wakuda’s Second Pregnancy
Criticism of Aoi's "speedy return," Aoi's resignation, and rival Kuwako's future and "Kohaku" (red and white).
NHK is facing a difficult situation in which the main anchors of “News 7” and “News Watch 9,” its flagship news programs, have left the station or are on the verge of leaving. NHK seems to be having a hard time finding the best replacement who is acceptable to the viewers and stable, as well as assigning the announcers to their respective programs.
After Aoi’s departure, “News Watch 9” has been airing with Masayoshi Tanaka and Risa Hayashida as the remaining anchors, and “News 7″ is also looking for a replacement for Wakuda, with Izumi Yamauchi, who is currently in charge of the program’s weekends, among the names mentioned. However, it is not easy to fill the ace’s shoes, and there are various discussions going on within the station,” said an NHK official.
The “future” of another ace, Maho Kuwako, 36, who is one year senior to Wakuda, is also a concern. Kuwako remarried to actor Yukiyoshi Ozawa (49) in September 2009.
Kuwako divorced Fuji Television’s Shinichi Tanioka, whom she married in 2005, within a year, and it is said that she wants to have a child with Ozawa. Kuwako is currently the anchor of “Close-Up Today,” and when Wakuda takes a long leave of absence, her presence will naturally increase in relative terms.
However, Kuwako could also become pregnant at any time and go on maternity leave. If that happens, NHK will be in a difficult position of not being able to use its top two female announcers, who are outstanding in terms of both popularity and ability, for a certain period of time.
Another issue is the hosting of the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Singing Contest) on New Year’s Eve. In recent years, either Wakuda or Kuwako has hosted the Kohaku Uta Gassen, but last year, a male announcer, Kozo Takase, took over for the first time.
However, last year’s Kohaku had the lowest viewer rating ever. Takase may not be the direct cause, but some executives at the station, impatient for the Kohaku ratings to recover, are saying that the glamorous Wakuda or Kuwako should be brought back to host the show.
However, if Wakuda and Kuwako are trying to have a baby, it will be difficult for them to do so. There seems to be a certain tense atmosphere within the station, with such “true feelings” being leaked out over Wakuda’s second child pregnancy, which is being congratulated by many people.
NHK will have to urgently train a new generation of female ace announcers to replace Wakuda and Kuwako.
We are looking forward to receiving your information and tips on “FRIDAY Digital”. Please send your information to the following information form or to the official X.
Information Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://twitter.com/FRIDAY_twit
