Japanese Announcer’s Comment Sparks Debate on Work Ethic and Wealth

Photo= Yukari Oshima, Rina Yamamoto’s social media

Freelance announcer Yukari Oshima made a candid remark towards her colleague, Rina Yamamoto.

During a Fuji TV appearance on “Nep League” on March 25, Oshima remarked that some viewers interpreted it as a veiled criticism towards fellow announcer Yamamoto. The comment has generated online discussion.

Oshima and Yamamoto previously anchored together at TBS before going freelance.

On this latest episode, eight freelance announcers, including Oshima and Yamamoto, representing various stations, competed in a knowledge and broadcasting skills challenge.

The competition intensified during the “Impromptu Speech Combining Words Shown in the Video” segment. Yamamoto, currently in last place, threw the gauntlet to Oshima, who was holding firm in second.

When Yamamoto chose Oshima for the challenge, he said, “I think I can win against her.” Oshima’s response, a teasing “Oh really? You thought you could beat me?” hinted at a deeper competitive fire between the two former colleagues.

The competition took a sharp turn when Oshima fired the opening shot: “I can’t stand freelance announcers who slack off like part-timers just because they married rich!” Caught off guard, Yamamoto said, “That’s not me at all!” and passionately defended her work ethic. Despite the unexpected jab, Yamamoto managed to pull off a surprise victory.

Despite her cry of “I lost. Unfair!” she fixed Yamamoto with a pointed stare and muttered, “You won the game, but did you win?”

Rina Yamamoto married a non-celebrity in 2022 and left TBS in 2023 to work as a freelancer. When her marriage was announced, Yamamoto’s spouse, an elite employee at a foreign financial institution, drew attention after being spotted driving an expensive foreign car.