2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
Trailblazing news anchor challenges gender binary
Stylish and self-assured, Takahiro Nogawa is making history as one of Japan's first openly gender-nonconforming news anchors to appear on national television.
This spring, Nogawa, 31, left a local station in Fukushima Prefecture after eight years to begin appearing on the flagship news program at the Tokyo-based Nippon Television Network Corp.
'In my next life, I want to be a female news presenter,' Nogawa wrote on social media. 'For now, I'm a male one.'
Known for a love of beauty and fashion, Nogawa frequently posts about makeup and skincare online.
As a child, Nogawa felt most at home among female classmates, preferring Pretty Cure over Ultraman.
Although rarely facing bullying, in high school Nogawa was deeply affected by a tragic news story about a gay teen in the United States who took his own life.
'I realized I was just lucky to have supportive friends,' Nogawa said.
Motivated by a desire to live openly and help others do the same, Nogawa pursued a career in broadcasting.
Over time, Nogawa began challenging gender expectations more openly by wearing women's clothing during on-location shoots, and gradually using more intense makeup.
Nogawa's subsequent appearances on national TV talk shows and beauty magazines drew attention and helped reshape perceptions of gender expression in Japanese media.
Although Nogawa's presentation challenges gender norms, the broadcaster has chosen not to put a specific label on gender identity.
'There should be room for people who choose not to name it,' Nogawa said, suggesting that coming out should be a personal choice—not an obligation.
When appearing in the news studio, Nogawa now opts for a toned-down look: a tailored jacket and subtle makeup. Nogawa's goal is to keep the audience focused on the news—not on appearances.
But just being present on screen sends a powerful message.
'Television reflects everyday life,' Nogawa said. 'I hope that one day, someone like me can simply be part of everyday life without it feeling unusual.'
