Kōtarō Kamigaki Makes Music Show Hosting Debut, Discovers New Musical World Beyond Showa Enka

Kōtarō Kamigaki, a Fuji Television announcer who joined the network in 2024, has made his hosting debut on the music program 'STAR,' which premiered in April 2026. Known for his calm delivery and described as a self-proclaimed "announcer enthusiast" with a love of words, Kamigaki brings diverse talents to the role, holding qualifications including a teaching license and disaster prevention certification. He currently appears on programs including 'Mezamashi Doyōbi' and 'Mezamashi Terebi,' and serves as navigator for 'Central Horse Racing Digest.'

As host of 'STAR,' which features contemporary artists performing their latest songs, Kamigaki has experienced a significant shift in his musical horizons. Previously focused on Showa-era enka music, he describes being moved by each episode, saying his heart is "trembling with fresh emotion" as he discovers new musical worlds. His introduction of artists, delivered in the style of classic Showa-era music shows, has become a topic of discussion among viewers. When Juice=Juice performed on the premiere episode on April 16, Kamigaki was overwhelmed by their performance, expressing genuine excitement at the group's energy and their song 'Morete! Mi Amore.'

In preparing for each episode, Kamigaki thoroughly researches performing artists by listening to their music beforehand, finding unexpected discoveries each time. He has studied programs like 'No No Girls,' the audition show that produced artist HANA, to better understand the contemporary music landscape. Rather than being a passive follower of music, Kamigaki now approaches the experience with determination to absorb performances fully, positioning himself to experience artists' live performances from close proximity.

Despite having rarely attended concerts or live shows in the past, Kamigaki has committed to actively participating in live performances going forward. He expresses admiration for senior Fuji Television announcers like Shinichi Karube and Masaharu Miyake, who maintain active engagement with fans and artists at live events. Through his hosting role on 'STAR,' Kamigaki aims to convey the full depth of his experience with each performance to viewers, utilizing the unique opportunity of being positioned closest to the artists during taping.