Ayaka Hironaka of TV Asahi: Balancing Life as a President’s Wife and Dedicated Mother

Since giving birth to her first child last November, she has returned to work at a fast pace in less than six months.

Caught between work and childcare, she showed her “true self” in moments between them!

In the time before dinner, amidst the bustling streets filled with returning office workers, students, and shoppers, TV Asahi’s Ayaka Hironaka (33) exuded a particularly strong aura.

On a day in June, Hironaka visited a supermarket chain “M” in the Kanto region with her own bag in tow. Already having narrowed down her purchases, she finished shopping in about five minutes. After packing her items into her bag, she headed to a popular bakery known for its delicious morning offerings.

At the bakery, Hironaka bought bread and a drink at the checkout, then moved to the eat-in area. Seated by the window, she relaxed for a while, jotting in her planner, checking her phone, and enjoying a moment to unwind.

“Hironaka married Shogo Okada (33), president of ‘Proglet,’ an English coaching company with annual revenue of approximately 3 billion yen, in 2022. After giving birth to their first child in November last year, she returned to work in April this year. In her serialized essays, she has revealed her desire to enroll her child in daycare from pregnancy to infancy.” (entertainment writer)

A acquaintance says that behind her speedy return to work, “she showed the determination of an absolute ace.” 

“The Hironaka family is known for elite status, with her father and sister working in top-tier companies. Ayaka herself has been academically gifted, attending Keio University from junior high. While she adores her child, she has openly stated the importance of her personal time and career. She’s dedicated to her work, even crafting her own scripts for the show ‘Geki Rare San wo Tsuretekita.’ Being an ace announcer, a president’s wife, and a mother, all are priorities for her.”

She’s sure to get it done, without a doubt.

From the July 19, 2024 issue of FRIDAY