Kansai TV announcer Wakako Hashimoto spoke to Sports Hochi about her first live commentary of Orix Buffaloes games on the CS broadcasting station "J SPORTS" in her fifth year at the company. The games Rakuten Eagles on June 29th and Nippon-Ham on August 3rd (both at Kyocera Dome) were the first professional baseball games to be commentated by a female announcer in the station's 68-year history.

■ First duet of "surprise and excitement"

-In the memorable "debut game" in June, Orix Buffaloes 's Nishikawa and Mune hit back-to-Home Run with no outs in the first inning.

"I was really surprised and excited that things would turn out like this from the very beginning. I thought Nishikawa's hit was a big center fielder to center field, so I didn't get the crowd excited enough, and so when Muneta hit it, I stepped up my game and spoke louder. Those two hits helped me ease my tension, so I expressed my gratitude to them both during the interview."

-After that I was able to stay calm.

"As I continued to move my mouth, I gradually became more calm. I tried to make sure to have a life-sized conversation with the commentator, so that the performance wouldn't end with a monotonous description of what was happening in front of me. Also, the day was Orihime Day. The reporter also included information that was unique to Orihime Day, so I think I was able to include some lighter material and add some variety to the performance."

-After the game, did you watch the footage of the first inning and other games many times?

"(When he hit Home Run) I said, 'Since Nishikawa batted first, we've scored first in seven consecutive games,' but that's something I regret. I said it too early. I should have let the afterglow of the leadoff hitter 's home run linger until he had run around the diamond once, but I got scared and rushed to look at the data. There are plenty of things I could have said later, but I regret that I should have emphasized more the afterglow of the stadium and the feeling that the atmosphere had changed."

■ Egosearch to check for "rejection reactions"

-I spent six months preparing for this live commentary challenge.

"I've always wanted to do live commentary, and it was only six months ago that I found out I would be able to take on the challenge. I still have a lot to improve on, but I feel like I've done everything I could for the two games this season. I can't wait to talk about the next one (laughs). I'm afraid I'll forget the feeling I've gotten."

-What did you think when you saw the video of the "female voice" in baseball commentary?

"As expected, the reaction from those around me was mixed. I was prepared for criticism when I took on the challenge, so I did a thorough ego search to find out what it was that people were rejecting. There were more fans than I expected who accepted my (six months of) preparation and interviews, including from opposing teams, so I was kind of relieved."

- Up until now, you've been in charge of hero interviews at Orix Buffaloes games, but this time you're commentating. What are your feelings for the team?

"I'm really grateful that they accepted the challenge. Bs Gravity (the team's official dance and vocal unit) has both men and women, and they were apparently the first team to start this. They don't just reject new ideas out of hand, but are quick to adopt them, which is really great, and when I get the chance to cover a team like that, I just want to support them."

Orix Buffaloes lost both games this season. I hope they can win next year.

"That's right. It's really true. When I did an ego search, The Buffaloes fan said to me, 'I want you to talk about the winning games soon.' (laughs)"

◆Hashimoto Wakako (Hashimoto Wakako) Born on November 19, 1998 in Hyogo Prefecture. 27 years old. During her student days, she was a member of the baton twirling club and joined Kansai TV from Kobe University in 2021. She is currently in charge of programs such as "Shunkan LIVE Toretate!" and "Uramayo!".

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