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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Kōtarō Kamigaki Makes Music Show Hosting Debut, Discovers New Musical World Beyond Showa Enka
Kōtarō Kamigaki, a Fuji Television announcer in his third year at the network, has made his debut hosting the music program 'STAR,' premiering in April 2026. Previously devoted to Showa-era enka music, Kamigaki has been moved by exposure to contemporary music through the show, and his polished introductions of artists have become notable to viewers.


Quick Facts
Who
Kōtarō Kamigaki (上垣皓太朗)
What
Made hosting debut on music program 'STAR'
When
April 2026 (program launch)
Where
Fuji Television
- Made hosting debut on music program 'STAR'
- Introduced multiple contemporary artists
- Delivered artist introductions in Showa-era music show style
- Experienced live performances of artists including Juice=Juice
- Researched and studied contemporary music and artist backgrounds
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.
Topics
Why This Matters
Kamigaki's hosting debut represents a significant cultural bridge in Japanese broadcasting: a traditional announcer trained in classical Showa-era presentation styles is introducing contemporary artists to audiences, creating authentic cross-generational dialogue. For viewers, this means richer context and genuine enthusiasm for modern music performances; for the industry, it demonstrates how broadcasters are leveraging seasoned talent to connect legacy and contemporary entertainment, making 'STAR' more than entertainment—it becomes a cultural narrative about evolution in tastes and media consumption.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2024
WireKōtarō Kamigaki joins Fuji Television
Apr 16, 2026
WirePremiere episode of 'STAR' airs featuring Juice=Juice and HANA
Jun 18, 2026
WireInterview with Kamigaki published discussing his experience hosting 'STAR'