Former NHK announcer Anna Nakagawa made waves during her first appearance on commercial television since leaving the public broadcaster, revealing surprising personal habits that left her co-stars in shock. The 31-year-old, who transitioned to Horipro after departing NHK at the end of March 2025, appeared on Fuji Television's "Sake no Tsumami ni Naru Hanashi" on April 18, 2025, where she candidly discussed her life post-NHK.
During the show, which was recorded on April 1, Nakagawa was greeted by fellow host and comedian Goto Teruki, who acknowledged her recent departure from NHK. "You left NHK yesterday," he remarked, to which she replied with a nod, "Yes, I did." This marked Nakagawa's first job as a freelancer, and she expressed her excitement, saying, "This is my first work!" with a bright smile.
However, her co-host, comedian Daigo from the duo Chidori, teased her about her choice of debut project. "Is this really your first job?" he quipped, prompting laughter from the audience. Nakagawa defended her choice, stating, "I really love this show. I’m looking forward to it too much!"
In a segment that surprised many, Nakagawa revealed a peculiar ritual she engages in before bed. She disclosed that once a year, she lines up photos of her ex-boyfriends, creating a collage from images sourced from their social media accounts. "When I have some free time, I feel the urge to do this once a year," she explained. "It’s not about having feelings; it’s a way for me to look back and think, 'Oh, that happened.'" This revelation drew gasps and laughter from her co-stars, with one veteran actor commenting, "I feel something abnormal about that!"
As the conversation progressed, Nakagawa's light-hearted demeanor continued to shine through. She noted that she finds joy in reflecting on her past relationships, stating, "I think of it as gratitude, reflecting on my past." Her candidness about her personal life seemed to resonate with viewers, as social media buzzed with comments about her charm and openness.
Born on October 22, 1993, in Tokyo, Nakagawa joined NHK in 2016. Over her career, she worked in various capacities, including as a reporter for the morning show "Asaichi" and covering sports broadcasts, notably serving as the commentator for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her transition to freelance work has been highly anticipated, with fans eager to see what she will do next.
Despite her success at NHK, Nakagawa expressed a hint of regret that her first freelance gig was not in the sports realm, where she had spent two years building her reputation. "I really enjoyed working on sports programs," she mentioned during the show.
As her colleagues responded to her quirky habits, the atmosphere in the studio shifted from surprise to laughter. Goto remarked, "You were never the typical NHK announcer. I thought you would leave, and here you are!" Nakagawa laughed along, acknowledging the truth in his words.
By the end of the episode, Nakagawa had consumed five glasses of carbonated water mixed with plum wine, leading to a lively and animated discussion among her co-stars. "My face is so red!" she exclaimed, fully embracing the festive spirit of the show. The audience's reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her vibrant personality and stunning appearance.
Fans took to social media to express their delight, commenting on her beauty and the refreshing change from her NHK days. One viewer noted, "She’s so lively now! I love this side of her!" Another remarked, "Is she drunk? She seems so much more relaxed!"
As Nakagawa embarks on this new chapter in her career, her unique blend of charm and candidness promises to make her a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. Her fans are eager to see how she will continue to evolve as a personality in the competitive landscape of Japanese television.
In a world where public figures are often scrutinized for their personal lives, Nakagawa’s openness about her past relationships and her quirky habits may resonate with many viewers, providing a sense of relatability that is often missing in celebrity culture.
With her first appearance as a freelancer now behind her, Nakagawa seems poised to carve out a unique niche in the entertainment industry, balancing her professional aspirations with her personal reflections. As she continues to navigate this new path, audiences will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what she does next.
