FM Yokohama x Magcal.net collaboration project

About the Right Radio

--What kind of program is "Just Right Radio" that just started this month?

It's just right for both children and adults, and the Japanese word "ii-kagen" means "just right" or "just right". It's an information program that basically makes the news easy to understand, digs into the details, and focuses on topics that are close to everyone's hearts. I guess there are more heartwarming news stories that don't get covered on TV. Even if you do what's on TV on the radio, you can't beat TV because there's no visuals. I guess you could say this is a radio-specific exchange, and rather than inviting experts to explain, I want to have a discussion between you and me, without giving any answers. It's a program that calls on you and me to think together about the news that's overflowing in the world.

--Mitsukuni-san sometimes makes surprisingly straightforward statements. And I get the impression that he always speaks to his listeners from a place of empathy.

I grew up in downtown Tokyo, so I have a bad mouth. Sometimes my words hurt people, so I always think I have to be careful. I don't want to be a lofty person, so I want to convey things in my own words. It's stupid, what an idiot would do. I want to be in a position where listeners can be encouraged to try harder because an idiot like me is trying hard.

Mitsukuni answers the interview questions while writing out each step of his schedule.

About the new show and new life

--How do you feel about the program moving from an evening time slot to a morning time slot?

Oh man, it's so hard! I'm sleepy. I'm so sleepy. I wake up at 2am, get to the station at 2:40am, read all the newspapers that arrive at 3am, and before you know it, it's 6am as I prepare for the show.

--2am is pretty early to get up. Do you live in Yokohama?

Last month, I moved from Kita-ku, Tokyo to Yokohama. I've been working for FM Yokohama for about 16 years, but I didn't live there because Yokohama is a place I've always wanted to live. Because I love Yokohama so much, I wanted to be able to see it from the outside, so I commuted for an hour and a half every day.

--How does it feel to actually be a Yokohama resident?

Living in Yokohama is really great. When I hear the sound of ship whistles from my room, I feel so happy and know that I'm in Yokohama.

--Has the listener base changed with the change in time slot?

During my time at the training center, most of my listeners were in their 30s to 50s, but Tadoi Radio is seeing an increase in listeners from elementary school students to those in their 20s. I feel like I'm being listened to by a really wide range of age groups. Everyone is an early riser.

Ferris wheel seen from the window of FMYokohama studio

On his relationship with art

--You've been an actor in the past, but are there any theater companies or theatres in the prefecture that interest you?

Kensuke Yokouchi, the founder of the Tobiraza Theater Company, was so captivated by a performance he saw at the Youth Center when he was a student that he decided to pursue a career in theater. In the past, Yokouchi was trying to deliver great plays to young people at the center, so he recruited listeners who wanted to perform. At the time, we called it the "Training Center Theater Club" and held auditions on the program. I think four or five people participated at that time. I'm still connected with three of them on Facebook, and they're still working hard as actors in Tokyo and Kanagawa. It makes me happy to see things like that.

--The Prefectural Youth Center is currently called the "Magcal Theater" and is a place where young people can perform theater, dance, music, and other performances.

Oh, really? I didn't know that. Magcal Theater!?

--We are also recruiting students as a school where you can learn about theater and musicals.

I would love to support you. You should make it more widely known. Can't we do something together with a good radio show? Let's start by spreading the word about "What is Magcal?", and spread the word about what kind of performances there are, and what Magcal is looking for.

--It would be interesting to do something with Magcal and FM radio.

Magcul means magnet culture. Various genres are attracted to each other like a magnet and connected. If you do one thing, everyone will be attracted and a circle will be formed, which will lead to the development of Kanagawa. I think that we on the radio side can also cooperate in various ways, such as making announcements on the program and MCing events.

--Are there any other art or art-related events in the prefecture that you are interested in?

I love music. NU, a duo based in Yokohama, holds a music event called "Yokohama Acoustic Festival" every year. It's a free live music event held for the future of children. There's a market, and parents and children can spread mats on the grass and enjoy music together. I wanted to provide a place where children can easily become familiar with music.

--It's wonderful that parents and children can enjoy a music event together, and it's free to attend.

We started crowdfunding last year, and we went to companies together to raise funds, and donated the proceeds to the Kanagawa Children's Future Fund. I joined the executive committee from the second time and have been volunteering. This year, we are planning to hold the Acoustic Festival on Sunday, October 1st at the special stage in Yamashita Park, with completely free admission.

--What are some recommended spots to visit during Golden Week?

I also work as the stadium DJ for Yokohama F. Marinos, and on Sunday, April 30th, the match against Gamba Osaka will be at Nissan Stadium, kicking off at 5pm!

lastly

--Finally, please tell us about the future prospects for Taidoiri Radio.

The right radio is a source of healing, energy, and a place to return to. In addition to the previous emails and faxes, we are also trying to create a new official LINE account (@cer847) and send voice messages to the radio. Through trial and error, we hope that this program will become a place where everyone can connect.

It was impressive to see him carefully answer each question, carefully choosing his words.

From the Magcal editorial department
In one word, Mitsukuni-san is "serious and hardworking."
This interview gave me a glimpse into why he has been loved by listeners for so many years.
Starting this spring, Magcal.net will become a site that connects people with various arts, cultures, and cultures as the "just right" Magcal for you. Please continue to support us!