Reiwa’s Top Female Free Announcer: Experts Debate the Winner!
Unlike staff announcers, freelance announcers can earn annual incomes in the millions if successful.
In recent years, key announcers such as Ayaka Ogawa (39) and Natsumi Uga (38) from TV Asahi, and Akiyo Yoshida (36) from TBS, have all made the transition to freelance work. For television networks, although hiring freelance announcers comes with high appearance fees, there is the benefit of gaining higher ratings thanks to their expertise and popularity.
This time, FRIDAY invited four industry experts—A, a producer of a key network news program; B, a mid-level director; C, a staff member of a production company; and D, a programming executive from a key network—to discuss who they believe is the strongest female freelance announcer in the Reiwa era.
In the first part, the panel engaged in a heated debate over star announcers praised by TV professionals, veteran announcers who have left NHK, and high-caliber freelance anchors.
The presence of the Kansai talent
Mr. A: Announcers from Kansai, like Hiroshi Kawada (41) and Ayumi Hirodo (33), are also rising in the freelance world.
Mr. B: Kawada is beloved for her bright, Osaka-style personality, especially on “Isshū Mawatte Shiranai Hanashi” (Nippon TV), where she energetically returns the jokes of her co-host, Koji Higashino (57). She’s also well-liked by the staff, as she takes the lead in livening up after-work parties. When out on street shoots, many people approach her, showing her high popularity among viewers.
Mr. D: While her humorous character stands out, she also excels at hosting and narration. Before recording, she always practices vocal exercises, gradually moving from low to high tones, to ensure a clear voice. In variety shows where comedians often disrupt the flow, she’s skilled at stepping in without delaying the recording, making things easier for the staff.
Mr. C: Ayumi Hirodo, who made her mark on “Nettō Kōshien” (TV Asahi) and now works as a sports anchor on “Hōdō Station,” faces the challenge of breaking free from her sports image to take the next step. She herself has expressed interest in variety and news, with some staff saying, “Hirodo left ABC TV to pursue variety shows.” At just 33, she has both flair and conversational skills, and major TV stations in Tokyo are keeping an eye on her.
The number one is definitely
Mr. A: “Let’s decide on the number one female freelance announcer. I’m supporting Takashima. She has both popularity and ability, and above all, there’s a unique sense of trust that no matter what happens, Takashima will handle it.”
Mr. B: “For me, it’s Udo. She handles both hard news and variety/music shows flawlessly, with no apparent weaknesses.”
Mr. C: “I would go with Ogawa or Horin. Both are important figures in TBS’s news division, and they have great potential for the future.”
Mr. D: “If I had to choose between those two, I’d pick Horin. Ogawa is focused strictly on news, while Horin can keep up with the vibe of variety shows as well.”
Mr. B: “However, in terms of popularity, ability, and trust from staff, Takashima would take the number one spot. She’s still in her 40s, so there’s a lot more ahead for her.”
Mr. D: “That’s true. At the moment, there’s no freelance announcer who surpasses Takashima.”
— After a lively discussion, the top 10 strongest female freelance announcers of the Reiwa era were decided, as shown in the chart above. Following Takashima, there are strong contenders like Udo and Horin, but rumors about prominent announcers from stations going independent or rising stars from local stations aiming for the center still abound.
The competition for the strongest freelance announcer will never end.
From the “FRIDAY” February 14, 2025 issue.
