Free Announcer Aika Kanda “First Pitch Ceremony!

Cheering heard in the silence.

Then, when we got into our set positions, it was so quiet that you would have thought there was not a single spectator left. （I felt lonely.　), I heard a woman’s voice from somewhere saying, “Aika–! I heard a woman’s voice cheering “AICA! The voice was silent, but it was loud and clear. I huffed (Yes, it’s AICA!!!)!　I’m AICA!) I replied in my heart. I felt a strange power on both shoulders, as if the entire audience was cheering for me, and I suddenly became very determined.

From that moment on, I remember it vividly. As my friend Shogo Akiyama had taught me during the pitching practice right before the game, I carefully but boldly threw a long ball, checking each movement of my arms and legs. The white ball went high, slowly parabolic, and went right to the catcher, Aizawa, without hesitation. (Please, please, reach it!　Please reach me–!) (Please!)) And then, …… snap!　The ball landed in the mitt, and there was a loud “OH!!!” from the stands. from the stands as the ball landed in the mitts. It was a high outside corner, just barely a strike. （It was decided!) (It’s decided!!!). When I looked at the video of that moment, when I shook my head, they were laughing. On the other hand, a voice was recorded saying, “Hurry up and throw it! (laugh).

On the ball I threw, Mr. Ohno and Mr. Tatsukawa, who were at the stadium for commentary, signed their autographs on it. The two of them will forever form a golden battery on the white ball I threw. They are treasures.

Furthermore, I heard that my pitching performance will be made into an official professional baseball card. I wanted to give them to my relatives and asked, “Could you give me just six cards for my personal use?” He said, “I will give you 100 cards. I was grateful, but that’s a lot!　I wonder how I should handle them.

Born in 1980 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating from Gakushuin University with a degree in mathematics, she joined NHK as an announcer in 2003, and left in 2012 to become a freelance announcer. Since then, she has been active mainly in variety shows, and currently makes regular appearances as the main MC of the daytime TV program “Poka Poka” (Fuji Television Network).

Aika Kanda’s first book, “Where are you going on the road called Royal Road? will be released on July 8! Pre-orders are now available at bookstores nationwide and online!

From the June 7 and 14, 2024 issue of “FRIDAY