Introducing Seven Fresh New Female Announcers of 2024 Including Nurses, Former Talents and U.S. Graduates

Like “I’m a Masochist” and “Self-Proclaimed Register Expert.” A Sports Enthusiast Who Was a Manager for the Baseball Team During University

 

“This year’s new female announcers are rich in individuality and unique traits.”

So says Daijiro Maruyama, a critic of female announcers. Among the standout talents, making an immediate impact since joining the company is—

“TV Asahi’s Akari Matsuoka. From her first day, she has been serving as an assistant on ‘Hatori Shinichi Morning Show,’ quickly proving her value as an asset. In a segment about register congestion, Matsuoka drew from her experience working part-time at a famous supermarket during her student days, calling herself a self-proclaimed register expert, and shared tips for avoiding congestion, livening up the studio. On another day, she surprised Hatori-san with a comment calling a dog enjoying sand a masochist. In the stretching segment, she puts effort into every strange move she does.

 

Her proactive approach and ability to capture the hearts of her co-stars and viewers remind us of NTV’s Erina Iwata (28). Similarly, TV Asahi’s Yoshiko Miyama, a Keio University graduate, is a well-rounded caster type. She was dedicated to archery during university and may take on sports programs in the future.”

In contrast to the two TV Asahi announcers with no entertainment experience, TBS’s Meira Urano (22) stands out. During her student days, she was affiliated with a major talent agency, focusing on music-related work such as singing and rap lyrics, and also worked as a salon model.

 

“She is a returnee born to a New Zealand father and a Japanese mother. She speaks English fluently and also studied Chinese at university. As an international figure, she seems well-suited for a career as a caster, but given her entertainment experience, she is also expected to shine in variety shows. Her potential is limitless,” (same source).

Last year, Fuji hired former Sakurazaka46 member Aoi Harada (24). Maruyama comments, “This year’s newcomers also have distinct characters.”

“Both of them have rare qualifications for female announcers. First is Haru Takasaki (22), who holds a nursing qualification. Despite her cute appearance, she is surprisingly strong-willed. When she received a rejection call after the final interview at another network, she reportedly said tearfully, ‘You will regret rejecting me.’

Speaking of strong personalities and crying characters, TBS’s Mako Tamura (28) comes to mind. Another newcomer, Maaya Miyamoto (22), is a classic caster type. She is very beautiful but not too flashy, and her first impression is similar to former TV Asahi announcer Ayaka Ogawa (39). She has a Grade E basketball referee qualification and experience selling beer at ‘Mizuho PayPay Dome’ (Fukuoka Prefecture), so we look forward to her contributions to sports reporting.”

The two new recruits at TV Tokyo are contrasting types.

“Announcer Ami Matsuzawa (23) has a glamorous presence and seems set to follow the path of an idol announcer. We hope she will develop like Kasumi Mori (29). On the other hand, Announcer Emika Furuhata (24) graduated from a U.S. university and has experience interning at a consulting company. She is a talent TV Tokyo has recruited with great anticipation, given their strength in economic programs. Currently, she is working with Koji Kato (55) on ‘Imakara Science,’ and her witty talk ensures exceptional stability,” (same source).

Here lies the future ace candidate.

From the August 16, 2024 issue of ‘FRIDAY’.