Rina Yamamoto’s Secrets to Success Amidst Freelance Struggles

On July 1, former TBS announcer Rina Yamamoto appeared on Nep League (Fuji TV) and caused a stir on X (formerly Twitter).

She made mistakes on questions about job experiences that announcers need to know. When asked about her relationship with her senior co-star, former TBS announcer Kunioka Hasen, she responded

“I learned how to have fun from Hasen-san (laughs).”

She revealed this and livened up the atmosphere. 

 

“Although she repeatedly gave offbeat answers to questions ranging from trends to historical issues, and didn’t perform particularly well, her rich expressions and moments of hesitation were overwhelmingly praised as ‘cute’ on X. Despite turning 30 in June, Yamamoto has a unique charm.” (TV personality watcher)

 

Since April, Yamamoto has become a new regular on “THE TRAD,” a music program on TOKYO FM hosted by Goro Inagaki. 

“Yoshida Akiyo, who was also from TBS and worked as an assistant called ‘dedicated staff’ since the fall of 2019, was highly trusted by Inagaki. Despite the pandemic leading to many remote guest appearances, Inagaki praised Yoshida’s excellent guest handling, and the pair were beloved by listeners for nearly five years, even through Yoshida’s maternity leave.” (radio director)

Given this, Inagaki might still be adjusting to the new dynamic with Yamamoto, as their rhythm sometimes doesn’t quite align. However, Yamamoto’s rapport with the staff is reportedly good.

“During her time at TBS, Yamamoto had regular roles on popular shows like ‘Sunday Japon,’ ‘Bakusho! THE Friday,’ and ‘Job Tune.’ Although she has a cute and flashy appearance, she is more of a behind-the-scenes type who excels at handling the program’s flow. This might be why her name doesn’t immediately come to mind when thinking of the show.” (TV watcher)

Compared to previous announcers like Yuko Aoki, Minami Tanaka, and Akiyo Yoshida, Yamamoto’s character is somewhat less distinctive.