Actress Hiroe Igeta has been appointed as the Saturday Caster for the Nippon Television sports news program "Going! Sports & News" (Saturdays and Sundays at 11:55 PM). She will be a regular cast member starting with the April 4th broadcast as the "FIFA World Cup Special Caster."
Igeta-san has experience in track and field and tennis during her student days, and this time she will be joining the program as a Caster to help promote the FIFA World Cup.
--Please tell us how you feel about being appointed as the FIFA World Cup Caster for "Going! Sports & News".
I'm still feeling lightheaded because it's the FIFA World Cup, a tournament that the whole world is watching. Ever since I was little, I've admired the Caster on Going!, and since I love sports, I've wondered how I could become one. Going! has the impression of being relatable even to people who don't know much about sports, and it captures viewers who are thinking, "I'll stay up late tonight," on Saturday and Sunday nights. I never thought I'd have the opportunity to work on such a favorite program. To be able to work in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup feels like such a big deal that it makes me realize you never know what life will bring.
--Do you usually watch soccer matches?
I vividly remember gathering at a friend's house to watch matches when I was a university student. Now, I keep an eye on which players are making the cut. Until now, I watched matches without knowing much about tactics, so I think gaining new knowledge as a Caster will change the way I watch soccer in the future.
--When you watch sports, are you the type to stand up and cheer, or the type to quietly watch?
I can feel the passion of the fans even when watching on TV. It's fun to get caught up in it, so when I go to watch sports, I wear a uniform or bring cheering goods. It really gets me in the mood and makes me more enthusiastic about cheering, so I'm the type who likes to have a good time. These days, I enjoy it while drinking alcohol.
--What are your impressions of wearing the Japanese national team uniform?
I've never had the experience of wearing the Japanese flag before, so I really felt the weight of it, and it raised my awareness. When I imagine the Japanese national team players wearing this and playing while being watched by the whole world, I realize once again that their feelings must be immeasurable.
--You will likely have opportunities to interview Japanese national team players in the future. What kind of questions would you like to ask them?
I'd like to ask about their positions, teams, and strengths. Some people take these things for granted, but I think many people don't have the opportunity to ask. This is an opportunity to ask, and I think that's why I was chosen. In soccer, there are differences in positions and roles. I'd like to ask about those personal aspects as well.
--What aspects of the FIFA World Cup would you like to focus on when reporting on it?
While I'll definitely be cheering for the Japanese national team, I also want to learn about the individual strengths of each player and be able to see the whole picture. I want to convey the enjoyment of soccer to viewers who have never watched it before, in a way that enhances their understanding.
--Are there any other teams or players besides the Japanese national team that you're keeping an eye on?
When the groups were announced, I became interested in the teams from countries I've traveled to. Thinking, "That country has a representative too!" and "They might even play against Japan!" makes them feel more than just opponents. I want to cheer them on while picturing the scenery I've seen on those trips.
--What kind of Caster do you aspire to be?
I want to be a Caster who doesn't leave viewers behind. I'd be happy if I could be a catalyst for people to become interested in things they don't know. I want to be a Caster who can reach out to people who are interested but don't know where to start, what to study, or how to watch a game.
--Could you please tell us your aspirations once again?
Until now, I thought soccer was a sport I'd never have anything to do with, so I took on this opportunity with the hope that this encounter might lead me to a new world and enrich my life. I want as many people as possible to have a similar experience. And I will do my best to be a bridge for those people!
