Driven by Curiosity and Passion: The Path to Becoming a Reporter

――What inspired you to enroll in the Department of Journalism at Sophia University?

I chose Sophia University because of its international atmosphere, which really appealed to me. Although I hadn’t had any experience living abroad in high school, I had always dreamed of studying overseas someday.

I’d loved watching TV since I was a child, but in high school I began paying more attention to the news and newspapers. That’s when I became interested in journalism and the media, which led me to major in journalism. My curiosity and drive to explore the world of media played a key role in shaping my career path.

――Could you share some of the key learning experiences and most memorable moments from your time at university?

One of the most memorable experiences I had was taking a class on media and diversity. It taught me how important it is for society to have diverse media and range of perspectives—something I’ve come to value deeply.

I also have great memories of working part-time at a broadcasting station, where I helped produce an English-language news program. Watching a live broadcast come together,　with so many people working as one team, was truly unforgettable.

In addition, I was part of the university’s basketball team until the middle of my second year. Playing alongside teammates from different backgrounds, including international students, was incredibly inspiring and later motivated me to study abroad.

――How did you spend your time while studying abroad?

I spent a year studying in the Journalism Department at Seattle University, starting in the summer of my third year. One of the most important lessons I learned there was the value of staying curious and taking initiative.

One day, I came across a Japanese-language newspaper at a local grocery store and discovered that it was the oldest publication serving the Japanese American community in the U.S. Later, I had the chance to interview its editor-in-chief for a class project, which eventually led to an internship. It happened to be the 150th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the U.S., and I was assigned to write series of feature articles about the lives of Japanese Americans in Seattle. Although I sometimes felt insecure about my English, the gratitude I received from the people I interviewed strengthened my passion for journalism ever more.

In another class, I was assigned to visit a town chosen by lottery and write blog posts about it over a six-month period. At first, I felt unsure of myself, but as I gained more hands-on experience, I became more comfortable approaching people and learned how to connect openly with others from diverse backgrounds.

――What was your approach to job hunting?

After returning to Japan from my study abroad program, I immediately began taking part in internships and job interviews. Because the media industry tends to start its recruitment process early and since I was particularly interest in visual storytelling—I focused mainly on applying to TV networks.

During my internship at TBS, I was deeply impressed by how quickly reporters sprang into action whenever breaking news occurred, rushing to the scene with a strong sense of purpose. Seeing their energy and commitment firsthand made a lasting impression on me. One of the main reasons I decided to Join TBS was because I was drawn to that dynamic environment where reporters truly thrive.

Embracing and Reflecting Society’s Diversity as a Reporter

――What does your current job involve?

I work as a reporter in the News Section of TBS Television, where I am assigned to the Judicial Press Club. With a team of six reporters, we cover the Tokyo District Prosecutors Office, courts, and the Ministry of Justice.

Much of my work involves traveling directly from our base in Kasumigaseki to interview locations. On-site, I usually work with a team that includes a camera operator and audio technicians. The footage and interviews we gather are edited at the headquarters and broadcast as news segments. For major incidents, I sometimes report live from the scene.

――What do you value most in your work?

When covering incidents or court cases, I often speak with victims or their families— people who are experiencing deep pain and grief. In those moments, I am always reminded of the weight of pointing a camera at someone.

Rather than simply conducting an interview, I try to face each person sincerely, taking the time to understand what they want to share and what message they hope to convey.  Sometimes, people open up to me off-camera, saying, “I can’t say this in front of the camera, but…” Hearing those words and being entrusted with their feelings is something I take very seriously. I believe that sharing those  voices and bringing their stories to the public is one of the most important roles of the media—and it’s what gives me a deep sense of purpose in my work.

――What are your goals for the future?

Recently, a viewer reached out to me, saying they wanted to make a donation to someone I had interviewed. Moments like this remind me of the power of journalism to move people’s hearts and inspire positive change in society.

Moving forward, I hope to continue creating news stories that can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. I also want to uphold the values that I learned in the Department of Journalism—especially the belief that the media plays a vital role in supporting diversity in society. By sharing the voices of people with different perspectives, I hope to help build a more inclusive and understanding world through television.

――What message would you like to share with current students?

I’d like to encourage current students to actively engage with people from different backgrounds. During my study abroad experience, I learned so much from the friends I lived with in the dorm. Although we were the same age, each of them had their own goals and was deeply committed to pursuing what they were passionate about. Being exposed to such diverse perspectives truly broadened my horizons.

※Please note that the content of this article is subject as of January 2025