Keiko Saito’s Daughter Ayaka Nakamura Makes Waves with ‘Sandra’ Role, CBC Worries About Following Fuji TV’s Mistakes

Actress Keiko Saito’s (63) daughter, Ayaka Nakamura (24), who is in her second year at CBC (TBS network), started serving as the 14th assistant for the popular program “Sunday Dragons” from March 30. Nakamura, who was appointed to the long-running show “Sandra” that has been airing since October 1983, openly came out early about being the daughter of the famous actress as she embarked on her career.

At the time of joining the company, Nakamura had kept her identity as Saito’s daughter a secret. However, during the broadcast of the “Weekly Sanma and Matsuko Special 2-Hour Special” on January 23, 2025 (TBS), she revealed it. While there are announcers with celebrity parents at major networks, it’s rare in the Tokai region. Recently, Yuika Honkariya’s sister, Rina (34), worked at Tokai TV (now retired), so this has garnered significant attention (according to a Nagoya TV station insider).

This spring, Nakamura was assigned to a long-running sports program.

“The previous contract announcer was also popular, but now they have moved their activities to YouTube, having signed a contract with the same agent as former manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami (55). Nakamura has taken over the position, but she has limited knowledge of baseball and is currently in a state of not knowing much. She is desperately studying to be accepted by the discerning viewers” (same source).

However, the Dragons’ players have already shown a welcoming attitude. In an attempt to get closer to the big-shot female announcer, they have begun making various efforts to approach her.

“Being the daughter of a famous actress and with her good looks, it seems some players have been asking CBC staff, ‘Can you introduce Nakamura? Can we have a meal together?’ Especially young players in the farm team are reportedly eager to make an impression.”

While it’s not inherently wrong for players and reporters to dine together or get along, due to the circumstances, some players may have inappropriate intentions, thinking if we get along, maybe we can go further. This could lead to accusations of improper demands. Given the huge attention on Fuji TV’s demand issue, it’s quite inappropriate.

CBC is reportedly doing its best to be cautious.

“Normally, it would be advantageous to let people recognize your face and name while the opportunity is there, which would make interviews go smoothly. However, with the current climate, if something like ‘Nagasaki’s demand issue is discovered?!’ were reported, it would be disastrous. On the other hand, the Dragons are an important interview subject for Nagoya TV stations, so it’s a difficult situation where they can’t ignore it.” (same TV station insider).

What kind of career will this genuine princess-like announcer, who went straight from Keio Kindergarten to university, build?