One of the most enviable professions for women in Japan is joshi–ana, the female “announcers” (aka newscasters or presenters) who deliver the news and provide commentary during sporting events with such elegance. Japanese female announcers are universally loved by all, hailed for their grace and charm, and there are websites that track their popularity from week to week, only some of which are creepy. Many Japanese announcers are haafu, like Elena Hayama, who is half Japanese and half French, and this increases her mystique and popularity since she can speak both languages. TV announcers are also used to promote products in Japan. When I was in Tokyo, I noticed a train ad for a brand of toothpaste called To Be White, promoted as “the toothpaste that makes newscasters’ teeth so white.” Should we carry it on J-List?
Everyone loves joshi-ana, female newscasters.
