TBS’s Ai Eto Takes Over as MC of Music Day, Earning Respect for Her Steady Professionalism
She herself is fond of the Eto-chan character
TBS announced that on July 19th, from 2 PM, it will broadcast the large-scale summer music special program “Ongaku no Hi 2025” for eight hours.
The main hosts will be Shinichiro Azumi (51), who for many years co-hosted this program alongside Masahiro Nakai (52), and Ai Eto (39).
“When Nakai was hosting, he showed overwhelming presence by warmly supporting junior groups from the former Johnny & Associates agency who were going through member withdrawals or breaks, and by working hard toward the reunion of ‘Otokogumi,’ the senior group that helped him most during his SMAP days. Now that Nakai has retired, although there were some voices calling for a celebrity replacement, Ai Eto was chosen.
Currently, Eto is very busy with live morning information programs and more. Because of this, on social media, some people expressed concern that she might be overworked with this new role. However, Eto herself has said that she has always dreamed of hosting music shows, which is evident in how happily she MCs as the character ‘Live Staff Eto-chan’ on ‘CDTV Live! Live!’ Being chosen as MC for ‘Ongaku no Hi’ is not only an honor but likely the best gift to soothe her busy days,” said a production company staff member.
Since 2021, Eto has held the title “Expert Special Appointment Top Specialist,” a managerial position just below Azumi, who holds the “Executive Treatment Expert” role.
“Besides her regular shows, she frequently travels overseas for events like the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. Yet she never complains, always works with a smile, and has no romance scandals or signs of quitting. That’s why she’s highly trusted by her superiors.
This isn’t unique to TBS, but many female announcers hired often quit in their twenties. Eto, who is hardworking, well-liked by viewers, and ‘unlikely to quit,’ is naturally kept on by TBS,” said a veteran TV producer.
Mihoko Yamada, a broadcast writer and columnist who has watched Eto since her rookie days, said the following:
A model example of a salarywoman announcer
“I first saw announcer Eto’s work up close when she was a rookie. In 2010, she served as the MC at the press conference for the drama Shinzanmono. It was a style of conference where the first episode was shown to the gathered reporters and general participants. I remember she was quite nervous in front of such a large crowd and stumbled over her words quite a bit.
After it ended, I greeted her because we’re both alumni of Aoyama Gakuin University, and when I gave her my business card, she said, ‘I don’t have one right now, but I’ll send it later.’ Come to think of it, she never did (laughs).”
From those charming rookie days, Ms. Yamada says, “She has made remarkable progress.”
“Her batchmate was Minami Tanaka (38), who, as you know, became an instant hit. This is not limited to Eto; when one batchmate suddenly becomes extremely popular and lands flashy work, the so-called not-that-one often struggles or loses motivation. But Eto didn’t get discouraged and diligently worked to the best of her ability on the jobs she was given.
A veteran female announcer who was in charge of training also highly praised Eto for being studious and serious. She has a calm voice and stable announcing skills, and she’s not the type to say ‘me, me’ or assert herself. She is aware that she’s a network announcer and acts with propriety. Even on ‘CDTV Live! Live!’ she never behaves overly familiar with male idols or artists.
Because of that, female fans of those idols don’t get jealous or dislike her. While she may not have idol-like popularity, Eto enjoys steady popularity and support from viewers of all ages and genders.”
By steadily building her career, handling a wide range of genres from information shows to music and variety programs, Ai Eto is truly a model salarywoman announcer. Her title as “Top Specialist” is certainly well deserved.
