Former NHK Announcer Anna Nakagawa’s Gravure Debut Amid the Difficult Times for Freelancers

Freelance Announcers Are Reaching Saturation

Former NHK announcer Anna Nakagawa (31) has made her first appearance in Weekly Playboy with a gravure shoot, even landing the cover, which has drawn a lot of attention.

“After working in Akita and Hiroshima, she was transferred to the Tokyo Announcer Office in 2020. Until she made headlines for wearing an outfit at last year’s Paris Olympics opening ceremony that looked almost nude, her public recognition wasn’t particularly high. She went viral in an unexpected way, but when the network suggested transferring her to Osaka, she decided to go freelance,” explained a sports newspaper reporter.

She seems to understand well that it was her sexiness that got her noticed. On TV, she often wears revealing outfits and doesn’t shy away from candid talk about romance.

“She’s signed with the major agency Horipro, and it seems offers for variety shows are pouring in. But isn’t she going a little too fast? Comedian Hikohii (35), who appeared alongside her, even went so far as to call her a pervert woman (chijo) [laughs]. When someone comes on too strong, there’s always the risk of the audience tiring of them quickly,” said a production company director.

Since 2023, after the pandemic settled down, the wave of announcers leaving their networks has only accelerated.

“During the pandemic, with work limited, many announcers had the chance to reflect on themselves and pursue what they truly wanted. More recently, however, the wave of resignations has been especially noticeable at Fuji TV, shaken by the alleged sexual-entertainment scandal sparked by Masahiro Nakai (53)’s involvement in a woman-related controversy.

Some quit in disgust at the network’s handling of the issue. Others grew fed up with being overworked as budgets shrank after sponsors pulled out. The reasons vary,” said a talent agency executive.

But many announcers struggle after turning freelance.

“Unless they had outstanding achievements or name recognition during their network days, or unless they join a major agency that can provide strong support, it’s tough to survive. There are simply too many freelance announcers now,” said a producer at a key TV station.

A broadcast writer pointed out that there are “three patterns” among freelance announcers who manage to survive:

“Either you have a viewer-friendly character, like Kasumi Mori (30), who rose to fame with her calculating cuteness; or you’re highly skilled at self-branding, like Minami Tanaka (38), who became a beauty icon; or you’re willing to accept lower pay while reliably handling any job. If you don’t fit one of these categories, networks will just use their own announcers.”

Even Yuki Matsumaru (44), once the face of TV Tokyo variety shows, is having a hard time.

“Her appeal was the gap of being a network announcer who would throw herself into physical comedy. But after joining Jinrikisha, a comedy talent agency, she inevitably pales in comparison. The bar for her is much higher now, and that agency isn’t exactly known for its promotional skills,” the same source added.

The talent agency executive sighed, “Male freelance announcers also face harsh realities. Genta Aoki (42) will have his Kansai TV show ‘Shunkan LIVE Toretate!’ go nationwide this fall, but very few get jobs that are bigger than what they had as network announcers. Unless you’re extremely well-known, you won’t even get called to variety programs. Outside of niche fields like horse racing or game streaming, it’s very difficult to succeed.”

Giving up a coveted position as a network announcer—a seat earned by passing through a very narrow gate—requires not only determination, but also a solid winning strategy.

From the September 12-19, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”