A secret debut that only three employees knew about

Nanaka Fujiwara, an announcer who joined Radio Nikkei in 2020, was told that she would be making her debut as a live horse racing commentator just before her fifth year at the company. However, she was only assigned to cover the race just two days later.

Looking back on his feelings at the time, he says:

“Since joining the company, I have been practicing commentary even though I knew almost nothing about horse racing, so when my boss called me, I felt like ‘it’s finally here.’

In fact, when it was decided that I would be making my debut as a live horse racing commentator, I was happy to receive the go-ahead, but I was surprised when I was told that the race I would be covering was two days away. I was somewhat prepared, but I felt my heart beating faster and faster from the moment I was told.”

Moreover, only three people at Radio Nikkei knew that Fujiwara would be doing the live horse racing commentary. According to Fujiwara’s boss, if the debut of a female announcer for live horse racing commentary was made public in advance, Fujiwara would not be able to concentrate because she would have to deal with interviews before the race, and it would also put pressure on Fujiwara herself. With this in mind, the debut was kept top secret.

XThere are over 500 DMs and comments on

“When I was told that I would be making my debut as a commentator, I was excited that I could finally do what I had always dreamed of. I knew at that point that I was the first woman to make my debut as a commentator for the JRA horse races, but I tried not to think about the fact that I was a woman.

When I joined the company, my boss told me that it was because they were looking for a horse racing commentator at the time I joined the company, so I tried to do the same thing as the other male seniors and tried not to feel nervous at all.”

Then came the debut race on March 3. Immediately after the pre-race fan bell rang, it was Fujiwara’s turn to speak.

“Race 3 at Nakayama Racecourse is a race for maiden 3-year-olds.”

An unfamiliar, high-pitched, clear voice echoed through the clear skies of Nakayama Racecourse. It was the moment when the first female JRA live race announcer was born. Fujiwara’s superiors in the same department were also excited when they heard the announcement and learned of her appointment.

The surprise was fleeting, as the race ended in just under two minutes, and Fujiwara safely completed his debut race. Fujiwara’s X account was inundated with more than 500 DMs and comments, including congratulations and words of appreciation. The reaction was so great that X’s trending topic was ranked number one.