Interview with Hiroshi Ikushima "Because it's radio, what I want to express, what I can express."

We focus on and hear from "successful promoters of expressive activities" across various fields.

Personally, I try to stay relaxed and natural, without putting on airs. On TBS Radio's "Hiroshi Ikushima's Ohayou Teishoku / Ohayou Ichikesshin," which hit its 4500th broadcast on July 6th, we have a lot of mishaps during the early morning live show. But instead of hiding them, if I drop something or spill water, I just say, "Oh dear. Oh no. This is bad." Sometimes I sneeze while reading serious news, but instead of being told it's inappropriate, more people seem to say they like that natural, unpretentious approach.

I think we can connect with listeners by creating a relaxed atmosphere, like having a casual chat in the living room with someone visiting your home – "Want some tea?" "So, what's going on in the world lately?" That kind of neighborhood gossip vibe. You know how on TV, it can be tricky to make those kind of bold, off-the-cuff comments like, "Well, this time, Abe-san..."? But on radio, it feels like they're really speaking their minds. So, there's this sense that it has to be genuine. Radio as a medium puts the sender and receiver on the same level, so to speak. In a good way, it's natural and the distance feels close. I feel that's what resonates with listeners. Even when I'm walking around town, people call out, "I listen to your show!" With TV, it's more like, "Oh, there's that person on TV." But with radio, people feel comfortable approaching you without hesitation. They see me as the guy next door or "Ikushima-chan" – we're practically friends already. Also, I consciously try to break things down and speak clearly. For example, even in live commercials, I often improvise quite a bit. Normally, people are scared to deviate from the script word for word during live commercials. One of this show's charms is that we have a lot of live commercials, but instead of reading the script like a typical commercial, I talk about general information. I always have various health tips stored in my head.

The fundamental basis of the program is encouraging each other to stay energetic. I'm particularly conscious of the idea of wanting to live energetically and happily from morning through the day. With nursing care insurance premiums and medical costs rising, pensions being cut... Japan is entering a turning point in its era, facing an extremely difficult period. We're entering a time where it's incredibly tough for everyone just to get by. In such times, what radio can uniquely offer is providing that spark – that nudge to think, "Let's try our hardest to live energetically and happily today, starting from morning." For those thinking, "Today feels tough," or "My back's been hurting lately," or "I'm worried about my grandkids" – even though Mr. Ikushima faces similar challenges, he's doing well. I hope to be a catalyst, a refreshing tonic, a motivator that makes people think, "I can do this too." I want everyone to cherish the morning, the source of energy for the day, and I aspire to be the cheerleader who energizes that morning. Radio is my life's work. Though we can't see each other's faces, it's a medium that connects us one-on-one.

That's precisely why I think information can actually get through more easily. Sure, TV reaches more people, but radio's intimacy—that closeness—is its real strength as a medium. It's like traditional Chinese medicine, showing its effects gradually and steadily. I want to keep working energetically with this beloved medium, staying active for life.