Successful Female Freelance Announcer’s Attitude Towards Drinking Parties Amid Female Announcer Reception Issue

“She always shows up at the old men’s drinking parties.”

The issue stemming from a dispute between retired entertainer Masahiro Nakai (52) and a woman, which led to allegations of “hospitality involving female announcers from Fuji TV,” has been reported by Weekly Bunshun and is causing controversy.

As other private broadcasters scramble to conduct internal investigations, Takashi Tachibana (57), leader of the political group “Party to Protect the People from NHK” and a former NHK employee, addressed the issue in a press conference on January 24. He firmly stated, “NHK employees do not engage in such things. As far as I know, there’s nothing like sexual entertainment involving NHK female announcers like Yumiko Udo and Takako Zenba.”

He continued, revealing, “However, Yumiko Udo always made sure to attend drinking gatherings with older men.” While gathered reporters chuckled, he added, “She even drank beer before going on air.” Furthermore, he suggested that Udo’s participation in such gatherings was not just due to her love of alcohol but may have also played a role in advancing her career through networking with influential figures.

“She would ask things like, ‘Who’s actually higher up, the center director or the department head?’—essentially trying to figure out whom to flatter. She had a pretty calculated side to her.”

A sports newspaper reporter covering broadcasting commented, “Since Tachibana spent nearly 20 years at NHK, his statements carry some credibility. Considering that Udo became the main host of the NHK Red and White Song Battle and the first MC of the morning show Asaichi, it’s possible that her fondness for drinking played a part in her rise at NHK.

That being said, her success ultimately came down to her abilities. This is not something that just any female announcer could replicate.”