Freelance Announcer Aika Kanda on How Korean Makeup Made Her Reflect on Womanhood

“Leave it to me” trip to South Korea

Last December, I went to South Korea privately. It was my third trip there, and the first in 20 years.

The first time I went was in my senior year of university. A part-time colleague, the same age as me, and I shared the desire to “become a top-class adult before entering society!” and, guided by the prejudice that top-class women wear leather clothes that fit their bodies perfectly, we went to South Korea. Back then, leather clothes could be custom-made cheaply, so I had a leather trench coat made.

The second trip was when I was a rookie announcer. Shortly after being assigned to the Fukuoka bureau, I read news that “more and more South Koreans are arriving at Hakata Port from Busan by ship for sightseeing.” “Traveling overseas by ship? Sounds fun!” I thought, and ended up enjoying a ship trip from Hakata to Busan.

After that, I hadn’t chosen Korea as a travel destination, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed.

However, last autumn, while having an all-you-can-drink champagne party with my four close friends from middle and high school, I brought up, “We haven’t traveled together this year yet, have we?” When we checked schedules, miraculously we found two consecutive days in December when all four of us were free.

I, being a fan of America, suggested, “Shall we go to Guam for a 1-night, 2-day trip?” But the two friends who love Korean idols and Korean makeup said, “Why not Korea?” The fourth friend also said, “I want to go to Korea!” So, by a 3-to-1 vote, it was decided we would go to Korea.

For me, it was practically my first time, and I had no idea what the current situation there was like. I left all the choices for shopping and restaurants to the two friends who know Korea well, and my role was to enjoy everything to the fullest.

Upon arrival, we had lunch at a popular samgyeopsal restaurant. Then we went to ‘Olive Young,’ a beauty and health store specializing in makeup products.

To be honest, I had never thought Korean makeup was cute. It seemed like they paint orange all around the eyes, put blush in horizontal lines under the eyes instead of on the cheekbones, and highlight the under-eye area in white, making the eyes look like they’re crying. It was so different from the makeup methods I had learned, and I felt nothing but discomfort.

But for this trip, I had decided to fully go along with my friends’ vibe. Plus, Korean cosmetics are cheap—around 1,000 yen each. I had enough money, and as Ai Kanda, once I decide something, I follow through. Alright, let’s buy all the makeup products they recommend!

I never thought I’d get so hooked

“THIS is blowing up in Korea right now!” “This is recommended by Korea’s top makeup artist!”—my friends passionately recommended eyeshadows, under-eye highlights, and sponges, and I bought everything they suggested. That night, in our hotel room, we all had champagne and tried out Korean makeup together.

And then… what!? How strange—so cute ♡ By putting blush thickly under the eyes, my entire face looked lifted, giving off a shy, girlish vibe. Adding a light pink shimmer to the under-eye area made my eyes appear moist, even though I actually have dry eyes.

I had thought that makeup trends popular among young girls would just make me look like I was trying too hard, but maybe that’s not the case!? Most of all, I felt excited and thrilled seeing my face transform in a more feminine way. Hmm, this feeling… I’ve felt it before. That’s right—it’s like back when I worked hard on my makeup to get a guy I liked to notice me!

Looking back, after getting married, I naturally started wearing more subdued makeup. I didn’t pay attention to the latest trends or new products, and at work I left it all to the makeup artists. I never imagined that a trip to Korea after 20 years would remind me of the joy and fun that only women can feel.

As a result, I’ve been completely hooked on Korean makeup since that night. The next day, I even started incorporating it into my work makeup.

I’m glad I boldly went to Korea. I’m glad I trusted my friends’ advice without doubt. Now, every morning I do my makeup with a sparkling feeling, as if I’m falling in love, and I step in front of the camera with excitement.

Ai Kanda: Born in 1980 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating from Gakushuin University, Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics, she joined NHK as an announcer in 2003. She left NHK in 2012 and became a freelance announcer. Since then, she has mainly appeared on variety shows and is currently the main MC of the daytime program “Pokapoka” on Fuji TV.

★ Her first book compiling this series, “Where Does the Path Called ‘The Royal Road’ Lead?”, is now a bestseller!

From “FRIDAY” January 30/February 6, 2026 issue