Nozomi Sasaki appointed as Editor-in-Chief for "Promoting Akita's Appeal"!

On November 17, Akita Sakigake Shinbunsha held an appointment ceremony for actress Nozomi Sasaki as Editor-in-Chief for "Promoting Akita's Appeal" at the Japan Press Center in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The Akita Sakigake Shinbun, founded in 1874, is Akita Prefecture's daily newspaper with a circulation of 230,000 copies. Its distribution rate within the prefecture reaches approximately 54%.
The paper launched a groundbreaking initiative in its July 2, 2014, 140th-anniversary special edition, "The Newspaper That Delivers Energy," featuring Sasaki, an actress from Akita Prefecture, in a life-size photo spread. This project garnered significant attention, including an award in the Newspaper Planning category at the 35th Newspaper Advertising Awards.
This experience ignited Sasaki's passion to "do something for Akita" and "share the prefecture's appeal with many people." Consequently, she has now been appointed as the "Editor-in-Chief for Promoting Akita's Appeal."
This marks the first time in the company's over 140-year history that an external celebrity has been appointed as "Editor-in-Chief."

At the outset, President Naoki Ogasawara stated, "Akita is known as a land of beautiful people, and we've asked the exceptionally beautiful Ms. Sasaki to be our Editor-in-Chief. While the prefecture faces regional challenges, it also possesses abundant tourism resources. We want Ms. Sasaki to cover traditional seasonal festivals, folk arts, and local cuisine, spreading vitality both within and beyond the prefecture."
Ms. Sasaki, who rushed to the venue, greeted the audience with a smile, saying, "I'm very happy to be able to promote my beloved hometown. I want to share its charm to the fullest." President Ogasawara presented her with the letter of appointment, business cards, and an armband.
Sasaki expressed her love for Akita: "Whenever I return to Akita, the warm atmosphere always makes me feel at ease. I recharge there and then work hard in Tokyo. My family reads the Akita Sakigake Shinpo at home, so I think they'll be happy about my appointment as editor-in-chief. I want to delve into Akita's appeal and convey it to people nationwide." President Ogasawara expressed his expectations, saying, "Hearing Ms. Sasaki's thoughts, I feel confident we made the right choice in appointing her. I hope she will stay close to the community and craft articles using her unique sensibility and taste."

At the venue, Sasaki, wearing an armband, conducted his first interview about the "Shotturu Nabe" hot pot at "Yuki no Hana," an Akita regional cuisine restaurant in Shimbashi. He spoke with owner Yoko Sekimoto, mixing in Akita dialect, to learn about the hot pot's origins and preparation, and took photos. After tasting it, he exclaimed, "It's incredibly delicious! The best!" with a beaming smile, lightening the mood.
During a surprise commemorative photo session, the Namahage—a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property—appeared. Sasaki exclaimed, "So powerful!" with delight, then declared, "It's shoshi (embarrassing), but I'll do my best promoting Akita!"
Starting in December, Sasaki will cover not only nature, food culture, and traditional crafts, but also challenges like declining birthrates, aging populations, and depopulation. The results will be published sequentially in the paper. Footage from the reporting will also be distributed via a special section on the paper's digital edition and through SNS.
Akita Sakigake Shimbun Digital Edition: http://www.sakigake.jp/