Marie Ooe, a beloved caster for TV Tokyo's 'World Business Satellite (WBS)', bid farewell to her audience on March 28, 2025, as she made her final appearance on the show. After 11 years of dedicated service on WBS, Ooe announced her retirement, which is set to take effect at the end of June. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter, not only in her career but also for the station, where she has been a familiar face for many viewers.
During her last broadcast, Ooe expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her colleagues and the viewers who supported her throughout her journey. "I have really decided to leave... I have met everyone on WBS for the past 11 years, but today is my last appearance. Thanks to the encouragement and support I received from all of you, I have been able to come this far. I sincerely thank you all," she shared emotionally.
Ooe's career at TV Tokyo began in 2001 after she graduated from Ferris Women's University. She first gained recognition as the inaugural assistant on the popular show 'Moya Moya Samaazu 2' in 2007, where her charm and poise quickly endeared her to audiences. Following a stint at the New York branch of TV Tokyo, she took on the role of main caster for WBS in 2014, showcasing her skills in reporting and anchoring.
Reflecting on her time as a main caster, Ooe became visibly emotional, stating, "I really tried not to cry, but I ended up getting teary-eyed..." She emphasized the importance of teamwork and the warm responses from viewers, which motivated her throughout her career. "The warm voices from the viewers and the camaraderie with my colleagues have been truly invaluable. I have put my heart into producing this program every day, and I feel that I cannot let everyone’s efforts go to waste," she added.
Ooe's departure is part of a broader trend at TV Tokyo, where several popular female announcers have recently transitioned to new opportunities. Last year, four notable figures, including Noriko Fukuda and Yuki Matsumaru, left the station to pursue different paths. In a statement made during a regular president's meeting in February, TV Tokyo President Ichiro Ishikawa confirmed Ooe's plans to retire, noting that she had directly expressed her desire to leave the company.
In her personal life, Ooe made headlines in 2014 when she married Hiroshi Matsumoto, the Chairman and CEO of the Manex Group, further elevating her profile beyond the broadcasting world. As she steps away from her role at TV Tokyo after 24 years, her legacy as a respected figure in Japanese media is firmly established.
As the final credits rolled on her last show, viewers took to social media to express their mixed emotions. Many fans lamented the end of an era, commenting on how much they would miss her presence on the screen. "It’s so disappointing to see her go. I really liked her," one viewer tweeted, echoing the sentiments of countless others who tuned in regularly.
In addition to Ooe's farewell, the entertainment news on March 28 also highlighted various other stories, including Koichi Ueno's recent venture into Kabuki stage equipment and Hiroko Hirosue's candid reflections on her eldest son’s rebellious phase. These stories, along with Ooe's poignant farewell, painted a picture of a vibrant and evolving media landscape in Japan.
As Marie Ooe exits the stage, her contributions to Japanese television remain significant. Her ability to connect with viewers and her dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. While she prepares for the next chapter of her life, fans will undoubtedly remember her as a talented and beloved broadcaster.
