To think, it all began a few years ago with an earthquake report which had one Japanese weathercaster going from lighthearted to serious on a dime. Saya Hiyama（桧山沙耶）wasn't the first charming and entertaining weather forecaster on Japan's "Weathernews Live" but the video of her doing the quick change in attitude somehow got people's attention and amity outside of Japan and maybe even within Japan regarding the station with the relaxed approach to talking about the weather.
Well, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And Hiyama made her announcement several days ago that she would be leaving "Weathernews Live" as of March 30th. Of course, much lachrymal fluid was shed. 😭 To be honest, even before the announcement, I'd thought that Hiyama's presence on the channel was starting to wane a tad so perhaps there was something afoot. But in any case, the face that has launched a thousand clips including those of her belly laugh at microwave ovens and okonomiyaki and apples will be going onto bigger and better things since she has now appeared on other television programs and has even become a cultural ambassador for her native Ibaraki Prefecture.
Because Nash Music Library has been the provider of background music for "Weathernews Live" (and that's how I learned about NML), I thought it would be appropriate to come up with something from them to commemorate the occasion. I was fortunate enough to find the tenderhearted "Last Letter". After all, it's the tradition for a soon-to-be former colleague to read that last letter to the departing person, and that was the case for Hiyama as weathercaster Mizuki Tokita（戸北美月）tearfully read the message (I'd actually expected Saya's best bud Yui Komaki to do the honours but that could have ended with an even larger briny puddle...dangerous for wiring...that sort of thing).
Anyways, "Last Letter" is the first NML song that I've heard that has vocals and it hails from the 2022 "Kokoro Uta"（心歌...Songs of the Heart） compilation. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out the two ladies who were singing "Last Letter" but the song was a very sweetly delivered tune, and I thought that it could have actually made for an anime theme song.
All the best to Ms. Hiyama in the future.
What a nice read and a fitting tribute to Saya Hiyama's weather reporter career. However, somehow I bet we will be seeing her again soon.
ReplyDeleteAlthough nothing has been said about her immediate future, I wouldn't be surprised if she became a staffer on one of the other TV stations although she wouldn't be able to be as casual as she was on "Weathernews Live". Then again, she may end up like a few of her other past colleagues and go behind the scenes as a researching meteorologist.
DeleteMaybe, she will be behind the scenes, but she seems to have a bit of charisma. Maybe she will be a tv talent?
DeleteYes, she indeed has that and she's been more than happy with her cosplay so she's not a shy person per se. But I also recall that Mariya Takeuchi was being set up to become a tarento because of her looks and charm and she wasn't having any of that. Ended up taking a hiatus for a few years before becoming a bona fide singer-songwriter.
DeleteWow, J-Canuck you have made the point in a very impactful way! Hmm, there is no telling what Saya Hiyama might do in the future.
DeleteWell, I'd like to think that the world is her oyster now. She can potentially choose anything that she wants to do. Maybe she can host a local show on Ibaraki.
Deletean interesting and well-researched YouTube: Japan's Ridiculous Weatherwoman Fiasco
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7QG9owYEUY
I didn't even bother watching the video because the situation was such an immature and stupid reaction by a few. However, the reaction was pretty much inevitable since the casters have been trained to at least partially appear like aidoru on camera...that's the whole gimmick about Weathernews.
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