In a historic moment for the Japanese Imperial Family, Princess Akiko made her debut as a radio personality on April 21, 2025, during the Nippon Broadcasting System's special program "All Night Nippon Premium." This event marks the first time in 50 years that a member of the Imperial Family has taken on such a role since her father, Prince Tomohito, did so.
Princess Akiko, a member of the Mikasa family, greeted listeners with the phrase, "Good evening, I am Princess Akiko," setting a warm and inviting tone for the broadcast. The program featured comedian Hachiro Tachikawa, a close friend of the princess, as a guest, who engaged her in light-hearted conversation about her daily life.
During the show, Princess Akiko shared surprising insights into her personal life, revealing that she frequents 100-yen shops, a detail that took many by surprise. "I do go to 100-yen shops," she mentioned, discussing her purchases of everyday items like cooking utensils and towel hooks. This candidness provided listeners a glimpse into her life beyond royal duties.
Additionally, Princess Akiko showcased her culinary skills, stating that while she often prepares traditional Japanese dishes, her specialty that garners praise from friends is "keema curry," a surprising choice for a royal. "I think I make a lot of Japanese food, but the one that gets compliments is keema curry," she said, eliciting laughter from Tachikawa.
As the program progressed, Princess Akiko recounted an amusing story from her time studying abroad at Oxford University. She recalled an incident during class registration where she was mistaken for a foreign student. "When I told them my name was Princess Akiko, they wrote it down as 'AKIKO' and asked if they could call me 'Joe,'" she laughed, referencing a famous Japanese anime character. This anecdote resonated with listeners, revealing her ability to find humor in unexpected situations.
The broadcast was not only a personal exploration but also a cultural exchange. Princess Akiko discussed her involvement in promoting Japanese traditional culture through her organization, "Kokoro Yuso," which aims to educate children about their heritage. This initiative reflects her commitment to preserving and sharing Japan's rich cultural history.
Following the broadcast, social media buzzed with excitement, and the hashtag "#PrincessAkiko'sANNP" began trending. Listeners expressed their enthusiasm, with many stating they wanted to hear more from the princess. The program's popularity prompted Nippon Broadcasting to announce that a director's cut version of the show would be released as a podcast, allowing fans to enjoy additional content that didn't make it to air.
This podcast will be available on the Nippon Broadcasting Podcast Station, radiko, and various other podcast platforms for a limited time of one year. The lively recording lasted over two hours, exceeding the original broadcast time, and includes previously cut segments, providing fans with even more insights into Princess Akiko's life and personality.
In another notable event, Nippon Broadcasting will honor the late singer and actress Miho Nakayama with a special program titled "Nakayama Miho P.S. I LOVE YOU FOREVER" on April 26, 2025. This tribute comes in remembrance of Nakayama, who passed away in December 2024 at the age of 54. Nakayama was a beloved figure in Japanese pop culture, having hosted her own radio program for ten years, and this special will revisit her contributions through recordings and listener interactions.
The program will feature hosts Mits Mangrove and free announcer Tadashi Unehana, both of whom have personal connections to Nakayama. They will guide listeners through a nostalgic journey, showcasing her memorable songs and radio moments that touched countless hearts.
As Nippon Broadcasting approaches its 60th anniversary of the "Show Up Nighter" program, which has been a staple in professional baseball broadcasting, the station is also conducting interviews with commentators to discuss the evolution and significance of baseball broadcasts in Japan. Commentator Toru Yamada, who has been with the program for decades, shared his insights on the importance of maintaining audience engagement through diverse content and lively commentary.
Yamada emphasized the need for broadcasters to keep the atmosphere enjoyable, stating, "If I'm not having fun, the listeners won't have fun either." This philosophy has guided him throughout his career, ensuring that each broadcast remains entertaining and engaging for fans.
As the baseball season unfolds, Yamada will be covering various games, including the highly anticipated match between the Hanshin Tigers and the Yomiuri Giants. His experience and dedication to the craft continue to resonate with audiences, as he strives to deliver captivating commentary that enhances the listening experience.
In summary, Princess Akiko's debut as a radio personality has not only captivated the public but also opened the door for deeper connections between the Imperial Family and the people of Japan. Her relatable anecdotes and genuine personality have endeared her to listeners, creating a fresh narrative in the royal family's portrayal. Meanwhile, Nippon Broadcasting continues to honor its rich history while adapting to modern media trends, ensuring that both traditional and contemporary elements are celebrated in the evolving landscape of Japanese broadcasting.
