Vol.28　Nobuko Tsutsumi

Nobuko Tsutsumi, who started her career as an announcer at Fukuoka Broadcasting and has now reached the 30-year mark as a freelancer, shares her insights with us. Over the years, she has expanded her work to include being an essayist and a university lecturer. In this conversation, she speaks candidly about the values she has cherished throughout her journey.

Japanese

Vol.28 Nobuko Tsutsumi

Lecturer at Showa Women's University, Aoyama Gakuin Women's Junior College, and Hosei University | Freelance Announcer | Essayist
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1962. After graduating from Shuyukan High School in Fukuoka Prefecture, she graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Aoyama Gakuin University and joined Fukuoka Broadcasting System (FBS) as an announcer. She later became a freelancer. She has been active across various media, including TV and radio, and has held long-term regular positions on morning information programs such as NTV's "Zoom In Super" and TBS's "Hanamaru Market." In addition, she is widely active in TV, radio, lecturing and hosting.
As an essayist, she has authored books themed around gratitude and contributes to serial publications both online and in print. Furthermore, at universities, she teaches courses on various aspects of speech, such as presentations and readings, to enhance students' ability to communicate.

Nobuko Tsutsumi Official Website

*Titles and affiliations are as of the time of the interview (April 2014).

Condition to Move to a University in Tokyo: Obtain Eiken Grade 1 by Graduation

I disliked studying, but I loved English. My grandfather had lived in America, and when we visited his house for Christmas, English was spoken everywhere. My father’s study was filled with English books, as he held an Eiken Grade 1 certificate. From a young age, I was taught English conversation, which probably fueled my admiration for the language. This led me to take the exchange student exam during high school. Although it was a short-term exchange, I returned during my senior year when everyone else was studying for entrance exams and ended up not getting into my first-choice university. My high school was a rigorous boys’ school, so I aimed for a women’s university but ultimately enrolled at Aoyama Gakuin University. The protagonist of Yasuo Tanaka’s hugely popular book “Somehow, Crystal” attended Aoyama Gakuin, but I chose it because it was known for its strong English program.

My parents and I had an agreement: if I could obtain Eiken Grade 1 during my four years at university, I could live in Tokyo. So, I worked very hard. I probably studied the most in my life for the Eiken exam. However, this became an asset when applying for announcer positions. Not only during the hiring process but also shortly after joining, I was often called to appear on programs featuring foreign stars and celebrities.

Shaped During My Time as an Announcer at Fukuoka Broadcasting

I returned to my hometown to work as an announcer at Fukuoka Broadcasting and got married after nine years with the company. In my tenth year, my husband was transferred, and I decided to leave the broadcast company. Since then, I’ve been working as a freelancer for about 20 years, totaling 30 years in the announcer profession.

I loved my hometown, Fukuoka, and was very fortunate with my work at FBS. In my second year, I was given the opportunity to appear on the nationally broadcasted “Zoom In!! Morning,” which was hosted by Tokumitsu-san at the time. Being part of “Zoom In!! Morning” was a prestigious role at FBS, and it allowed me to gain a lot of experience and gradually build my skills. Despite not yet being fully capable, I was entrusted with main roles and given the responsibility of hosting various special programs. It was a time when I can only describe my opportunities as incredibly lucky. I didn’t want to leave my position at FBS, but when Fukutome-san, who became the main host of “Zoom In!! Morning,” encouraged me by saying, “If you come to Tokyo, a new world will open up,” I resigned from FBS and left Fukuoka with a heavy heart.

Expanding My Career in Tokyo as a Freelancer

My first job in Tokyo was hosting the international news program “Good Morning, World News” on NHK BS. Six months later, I was invited to be the main host of a new early morning program, “Asaten 5,” on Nippon TV, which aired from 5 to 6 AM. For five and a half years, I woke up at 2 AM every day to be in the studio by 3 AM. While it was common for those involved in early morning shows to go to bed by 9 PM, I felt uneasy without watching the latest news, so I would stay up to watch the 11:30 PM news program “Today’s Events” before going to bed. When “Hanamaru Market” started, I was only getting about three hours of sleep a night in my early thirties. Despite this, I was fortunate to be a regular on both “Zoom In Super” and “Hanamaru Market,” two morning shows that were almost competitors. I am still grateful for the generosity of both producers.

My thirties were a pivotal time in my life. While many of my fellow announcers resigned after getting married, I felt fortunate to have the right opportunities at the right time. My husband was exceptionally understanding about my career from the beginning of our marriage, never complaining if I came home late or didn’t cook dinner due to work. It’s this supportive work environment that has allowed me to continue my career. Even in my forties, the pace of work remained unchanged, and looking back, my 20 years as a freelancer have been non-stop.

A Supporting Role that Enhances the Main Star

As an announcer, I have always valued the importance of the Japanese language. At the same time, I understand that an announcer’s role is that of a superlative supporting actor; our job is to highlight the main information or guests. I’ve strived never to forget this. While there are many programs that favor personalities who become celebrities or who emphasize their individuality, the morning shows I was involved with required the skill to shine while making those around me shine even more, like a true craftsman.

Since I was married and not working solely for financial reasons, I continued working because I loved it, believing that money would follow. Unlike men, who often prioritize earning money to support their families, I didn’t have that primary obligation. However, I approached each job with full dedication, working diligently and consistently, believing in putting my best effort into every single task.

Writing Essays to Share My Lifestyle

I have written five books so far, ranging from communication guides to hobby books, and I have two more scheduled for publication this year. I have a particular fondness for the world of hobbies. When I was an announcer for “Hanamaru Market,” I mentioned to a travel writer on our way back from a location shoot that I enjoyed traveling to find unique stationery. She made an effort to find a publisher, and I was able to publish my first hobby book. Although I traveled to Paris and Milan at my own expense, I believed the first book was crucial and worth the investment. It was my debut work, turning my hobby into a tangible book. I personally selected the shops and designed the page layout, so it’s entirely my travel diary. Despite its niche focus, it had a reprint, and even now, the publisher’s president says it was worth publishing.

During a short-term study abroad in high school, I stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel in Canada. When I opened the drawer of the writing desk in my room, I found a beautiful letter set with the hotel’s logo. That moment sparked my interest in foreign paper products and stationery collections. So, in a way, my love for English led to my love for stationery.

Even as an announcer, I would often dive into detailed discussions about stationery, earning a reputation for my knowledge. Eventually, this led to interviews as a stationery enthusiast, and a second publisher noticed my first book. This resulted in my second book, focusing on the beloved Japanese cities of Nara and Kyoto and their stationery. Additionally, I’ve secured a new publishing project with a travel-focused publisher for a book dedicated to stationery-centered travel.

When you pursue what you love without concern for profit or loss, it can take shape in unexpected and rewarding ways.

Teaching at a University Despite Disliking Studying

Currently, I am a lecturer at Showa Women’s University. My students often tell me they envy how I’ve been able to continue working as an announcer, a job I love, for so many years. They frequently ask, “What’s the secret to making your passion your profession?” Many of them assume that most people cannot pursue their passion as a career. I always tell them that I didn’t start out only doing what I loved; I did many things I didn’t enjoy behind the scenes.

When it comes to my love for stationery, it was the accumulation of collecting items during my travels that allowed me to seize opportunities when they arose. Having various “passion drawers” enables you to recognize and act on the right opportunities. There’s a saying that luck is part of one’s skillset, and just as people with good luck have a strong attraction power, having a strong passion helps attract opportunities too.

Overcoming Challenges and Giving Back Joyfully

Recently, during an interview, I was asked about the “conditions for not breaking down.” I believe there are two crucial things in life. First, imagine yourself as a chair—it’s better to stand on four legs rather than three, and six legs rather than five. This way, even if one or two legs break, you can still stand. If you have only one important thing in your life, your spirit can break if that doesn’t go well. While being passionate about one thing is wonderful, having multiple supports allows you to shift your focus and stay strong. Therefore, it’s good to have various interests and seize opportunities whenever possible.

The second important thing is recognizing that life requires not only people who are beneficial to you but also those who might try to hold you back. In popular dramas, the protagonist frequently faces new challenges. When I find myself in a difficult situation, I think of it as being in the climax of my own drama, making it easier to see myself as the protagonist of my life’s story. By viewing yourself objectively and enjoying the process of overcoming obstacles, you can handle setbacks without feeling down. Believing that every challenge is an opportunity to do good for others makes life more enjoyable.

Mr. Sugiyama is a charismatic individual who balances boldness and precision, coolness and warmth, capturing people’s hearts. His approach of not only taking immediate action but also persevering until achieving tangible results is truly admirable. Our conversation at the Montblanc Boutique, one of my favorite places, was simply the best.

Freelance Announcer, Essayist Nobuko Tsutsumi

After reading Nobuko Tsutsumi’s book, “Habits of the Skilled in Gratitude Loved by 99 out of 100 People (Hyakunin chu Kyujyukyu ninni sukareru arigatou no jyouzuna shuukann)” (published by Discover Twenty One), I felt a strong desire to meet the “Master of Gratitude” herself. With the help of a mutual friend on Facebook, I managed to secure the opportunity to meet her. In person, Tsutsumi-san has a remarkably clear voice. In business, I’ve often found that the simple act of saying “thank you” can open doors, leading to new encounters and opportunities. Meeting her was a powerful reminder that my current situation is thanks to everyone around me.

Editor-in-Chief of “My Philosophy,” DK Sugiyama

April 2014, Montblanc Ginza Main Store. Translated by ILI Inc.

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