Former NHK Announcer Miki Sumiyoshi Reflects on a Night of Regret and Harsh Words

It was the career I had always admired

“I was such a hopeless person.”

The words came as a surprise from someone known for her bright, positive image — Miki Sumiyoshi (52), former NHK announcer and now a successful freelance broadcaster.

She has hosted popular NHK programs such as Professional: Shigoto no Ryūgi and Hello from Studio Park, and in September, she released her candid memoir “50-sai no Tanaoroshi” (Taking Stock at 50) through Kodansha — a book that openly recounts her personal setbacks, heartbreaks, and career struggles. In it, she reflects on her 14-year journey as host of her long-running radio show Blue Ocean (TOKYO FM):

“At first, I really wasn’t any good. I struggled so much with solo talk. At NHK, I always had co-hosts or a live audience to interact with. But on radio, as a solo personality, you’re alone in front of the mic — no nods, no laughter, no reactions. I didn’t know what kind of stories would make listeners happy.

At NHK, I was trained to deliver information objectively and concisely. So when I tried to express personal opinions or emotions on air, my body would tense up, and I’d literally choke on my words. It took time — and life experience — before I could really open up and show my true self.”

Becoming a radio personality had long been a dream job for Sumiyoshi. The roots of that dream trace back to her childhood and teenage years spent abroad in the U.S. and Canada, where her father worked for a trading company.

“I used to record cassette tapes with messages and songs for my grandmother and friends back in Japan,” she recalls. “I’d say, ‘Hello Grandma, greetings from Seattle,’ and play background music between my little segments. Even as a kid, I loved doing it — that was the start of my fascination with radio.”

She spent her university years at International Christian University (ICU) in Japan, where various part-time jobs helped her realize what she truly wanted to do.

“I tried all kinds of work — cashier, writer’s assistant, food sampling, interpreter. Through those jobs, I learned that I’m better at taking initiative than waiting for instructions, and that I prefer speaking to writing. Then, at a school presentation, I happened to serve as moderator, and one of my strict professors told me, ‘You sounded like a real announcer.’ That compliment gave me the push I needed.”

Even though I hadn’t verified the facts

When Miki Sumiyoshi joined NHK in April 1996, her path was far from smooth. In her first posting in Fukushima, she even experienced a few embarrassing mishaps:

“One day, I was scheduled for the lunchtime news. Since my shift started around 11 a.m., I’d gone out singing karaoke with colleagues the night before. My voice felt great the next day, so I thought, ‘I’m in good shape today!’ But when the clock hit 12:15 and the broadcast switched from the national news to Fukushima’s local segment, I cheerfully opened with, ‘Good morning!’— forgetting it was noon. I immediately realized my mistake and awkwardly corrected myself: ‘Good morning! Hello.’ My face burned with embarrassment.”

By her second year, Sumiyoshi had begun to adjust, and by her early 30s she was hosting the travel series World Heritage: Journey Through ___, where her overseas experience came in handy. She discovered the excitement of live broadcasting through countless on-air mishaps. But at 37, she made the bold decision to leave NHK.

“When I was 26, my father died in a traffic accident at just 54. That made me painfully aware that time is limited. As I reached my late 30s, my stamina declined, and I could no longer pull all-nighters. I wanted to live a life where I could decide for myself how to use my time — that’s why I went freelance.”

However, freelance life was harsher than she expected. In information programs, when asked for spontaneous commentary, she found herself unable to speak freely.

“Because of my NHK background, I’d hesitate and think, ‘I can’t say that—I haven’t verified it,’ or ‘Can I really state that so definitively?’ I second-guessed myself. Even when I thought I’d done a good interview, staff would say, ‘You’re too serious—it’s boring.’ That really hurt.”

One incident left a scar she’s never forgotten.

“I was hosting a show that ended after a short run. At the wrap party, exhausted and tipsy, I fell asleep. When I came to, I heard the staff talking — ‘Sumiyoshi was terrible,’ ‘The show failed because of her.’ I couldn’t open my eyes. I was too shocked.”

She faced setback after setback, with no mentors or colleagues to confide in.

“I’d come home drained, and there was no one there. No cheerful conversation to lift my spirits. I started to crave a family — someone to share life with.”

So she took the initiative. If she met a man without a wedding ring whom she found appealing, she’d ask him out for a meal. But not all experiences were kind.

“One man seemed perfect — intelligent, worldly, sociable. But once we started dating, he became cruel. He told me, ‘You’re not my type,’ and later, ‘I could never marry you.’ Those words cut deeply. After three painful years, I finally ended it.”

Through such experiences, she realized that when it comes to building a family, warmth and mutual comfort matter more than passionate love. Eventually, she met her current husband, A, a sommelier. They married in January 2016, when she was 42.

“We met at a home party. Honestly, he wasn’t my type. I even tried to set him up with another friend at a group date I hosted! But as we stayed in touch, I realized I could relax completely around him — I could just be myself.”

Marriage brought challenges, too. The couple began fertility treatment soon after marrying but stopped after four difficult years. That personal struggle, however, ultimately deepened her connection with her work.

“I couldn’t tell anyone — not listeners, not staff. It felt like speaking with something caught in my throat. But when I decided to stop treatment, I felt liberated. I thought, ‘Now I can be fully honest on air.’ I made up my mind to accept every listener message — success or failure — with an open heart.”

Recently, a listener sent her a heartfelt letter:

“When you first started, your voice and tone seemed uncertain. But over time, your natural warmth and sincerity came through, and your laughter grew more confident. Now, you share your thoughts and experiences generously — it’s wonderful.”

Sumiyoshi reflects:

“No one can live by always choosing the perfect path. But if you look at your detours and mistakes differently, you can turn them into the right path. For me, sharing my experiences honestly — that’s what helps others. It’s my radio work that turned my failures into something meaningful.”

Today, for her openness and authenticity, Miki Sumiyoshi is affectionately known among listeners as the Queen of Empathy.

From the October 24/31, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”