It's been about 28 years since I started working in radio. Unlike when I was an on-site director, now I just write scripts and send them by email, but I still love listening to the radio.
When I talk to the customers who come to Bokumo, it seems that many people from generations older than us have, or have had, the habit of listening to the radio.
Young people don't really listen to it. I've heard people say that in a culture of short videos, they don't really understand the concept of audio only.
However, there are also people who occasionally listen to radio shows by their favorite idols or comedians. I think that the future of radio will be supported by "strong people's messages."
So, this is a TV show I like, and I was going to write the name of it, but now I suddenly feel embarrassed...
I started off by boasting that I've been doing this for 28 years, but I'm sure you're wondering what kind of program someone who's been doing it for that long would listen to, and thinking it must be some pretty impressive show.
Somehow, the core aspects of my field of expertise are a little embarrassing. I feel like I'm in just my underwear.
Am I thinking too much?
Oh well. There's no point in fixing it.
Radio may seem like a mass medium, but it is actually something more personal. It is a place for a quiet exchange of values between sender and receiver.
So it's only natural that my personal "habits" show up in my choice of programs (or so I tell myself).
I've been making a lot of noise about this, but one of my favorite programs is TBS Radio's "Sunday Heaven with Yasuzumi Shinichiro."
To be precise, I'm only a partial fan of the Sunday Heaven show, as I only listen to the edited version that's on the podcast.
The other day it was in the news that announcer Yasuzumi had been promoted to executive status at TBS, and as a fan I think that makes sense.
You'd normally think that letting someone who can talk like that go freelance would be a loss for the company (sorry, that may seem a bit gross).
They report on the big and small things happening in the world from their own perspective. And they shine a light on the corners of everyday life. Sunday Heaven is amazing at this. When I listen to this program, I find myself thinking, "Is this what the world is like now?"
Maybe it's because Azumi is the same age as me (two years older to be exact). I'm always surprised to see that there's another way to look at things.
Many different guests appear on the show, but the one who has left the biggest impression on me is Tajima Momoko from the National Museum of Nature and Science.
He dissects and studies marine mammals, including stranded whales, and is a really good speaker.
We listened intently to her story, which was based on her overwhelming experience of traveling all over the country for over 20 years and dissecting more than 2,000 marine animals that have washed ashore.
I found the story of Yodo-chan, the whale that got lost in Osaka Bay, particularly interesting.
When a whale dies and sinks into the ocean, a bonus time of incredible feasts continues on the ocean floor for about 2000 years, completely changing the ecosystem. Wow!!! Interesting!
Sunday Heaven is always a fun show that scores 10 out of 10, but when you combine a fun speaker with a fun guest, 10 x 10 = 100. This is a score that you can't get in any other media than radio (for me).
The other day, a regular customer asked me this question:
"I'd like to invite a scholar related to the environment next time. Do you know anyone who would be a good fit?"
This was said by a Nagoya city employee who works in the environment and is in charge of organizing events for city residents.
I said immediately.
"I listen to a radio show and the person on it a lot, Tajima Momoko-san, is really interesting to talk to."
And then this happened.
"Eco Action in Meito"
A message from the sea: What a stranded whale told me
| Date and Time | Thursday, August 3, 2020 From 2pm |
| place | Meito Cultural Small Theatre |
| Lectures | National Museum of Nature and Science |
| Capacity | 350 people |
| Organizer | Nagoya City Meito Ward Office |
Advance registration required
▶ Announcement of "Eco Action in Meito" held in Nagoya City
I think I'll go there on that day too.
Mr. Tajima, I'm sure you never imagined that you would come all the way to Nagoya after being introduced by someone who was listening to the radio.
I thought to myself, radio really does have the power to light up a corner of the world.
