TOKYO MX 20th Anniversary "Crazy, huh?" Campaign "Anniversary Announcer" Announcement Event Held

Tokyo Metropolitan Television held an "Anniversary Announcer Announcement & MX Launch Special Program Countdown Event" at Shinjuku Station Square in Tokyo on October 31st, as part of its TOKYO MX 20th Anniversary Campaign.

The campaign is being rolled out under the catchphrase "9 (Crazy)!" which embodies TOKYO MX's appeal: "A mindset that breaks free from fixed notions, possesses strong will, and continuously challenges new endeavors." As part of this, MX conducted its first-ever public recruitment for limited-term announcers, dubbed "Anniversary Announcers." Three individuals—the "Anniversary Announcer," "Anniversary Weather Forecaster," and "Anniversary Reporter"—were ultimately selected after passing numerous screening rounds. They appeared in the 20th anniversary events and special programming.

At the event, comedian Kanning Takeyama, temporarily appointed as the Announcer Department Head for recruitment, first took the stage. He explained the process of selecting the three finalists from over 464 applicants nationwide. Watching VTRs of the auditions and dance evaluations, he remarked, "Their passion to become announcers really came through. TOKYO MX, with its 'Crazy 9' spirit, has chosen outstanding talent."

Next, at Takeyama's call, the three who had overcome various challenges appeared with beaming smiles. First was Keisei Matsumoto, selected as the Anniversary Announcer, who was once a popular female announcer at a regional TV station. Second was Kanon Hokawa, selected as the Anniversary Weather Forecaster, who has dual careers as a gravure idol and weather forecaster. Third was Tomoko Omura, selected as the Anniversary Reporter, a former NHK news anchor. Mr. Takeyama cheered the victorious trio on, saying, "I want you to go wild on '9 Lazy'!"

Next, the "24-Hour Treadmill Marathon" began—the TV industry's first "stationary marathon" designed to count down to the start of the next day's 20th-anniversary special broadcast. The three selected contestants and TOKYO MX employees would run continuously on treadmills for 24 hours, passing the baton. The first runner was announcer Keisei Matsumoto. She approached the treadmill looking slightly nervous. Following the countdown, "3, 2, 1...", the starting signal sounded, and as Matsumoto began running, loud cheers and applause erupted from the packed audience in the venue.