Fukuoka University Launches Student Interview Series: 'Fukuramase, Daitan ni.'

Fukuoka University Interview Project: 'Fukuramase, Daitan ni.'

'Fukuramase, Daitan ni.' is an interview project that delves into the lives of students at Fukuoka University who are learning, taking on challenges, and pursuing their dreams.

We share each student's unique personality and growth through their approach to learning, their future aspirations, and their daily campus life.

### Himari Murata, 2nd-Year Student, Faculty of Commerce

#### <Taking a Step Toward a Dream at Fukuoka University>

I was born and raised in Kagoshima Prefecture. While I love Kagoshima, I left my hometown to move closer to my dream of becoming an announcer.

I wanted a university that would allow me to broaden my horizons and encounter various people and information. Fukuoka seemed ideal, as it is also easier to attend an announcing school there. Fukuoka University felt like the best fit.

Since enrolling, my encounters have expanded beyond my expectations. Alumni from the Broadcasting Research Club are active in various fields. Additionally, through a senior's introduction, I started working part-time at a TV station, serving as an assistant for a morning news program. Being able to witness up close how announcers read scripts and operate under instructions is an invaluable learning environment. Since my part-time job starts at 4:00 AM, I head straight to the university by subway once the broadcast ends. My head is fully awake by the time the first-period class begins.

#### <Making the Dream More Concrete>

I started aiming to become an announcer because I admired the MC at a basketball game. Even when the number of spectators was small, the announcer kept the venue engaged and smiling, which made me think, 'I want to be like that someday.' Besides, I think it's a wonderful job to be able to convey information in my own words.

Since last year, I have been active as an assistant MC for a B-League club in my home prefecture of Kagoshima. As matches are often held on weekends, I take classes on Fridays, travel for about four and a half hours by highway bus to Kagoshima, host as the MC, and then take the bus back to Fukuoka. Despite this demanding schedule, I never imagined I would be able to host as an MC in the place I so admired. The sense of fulfillment far outweighs the fatigue. Seeing the crowd energized by my words and watching children and other fans having fun strengthens my resolve to pursue this career.

#### <The Power of Action to Attract Dreams>

I think I found my dream relatively early. I believe that is because I am the type of person who jumps into things I am interested in right away. If there is something I want to do, I try it. If there is someone I want to meet, I contact them myself. Of course, not everything works out, but I have no regrets about the fact that I took action. That is why I can always look forward and think about what to try next.

I believe Fukuoka University is an environment that supports this. The library is stocked with books on play-by-play commentary and announcing, and I use facilities like the 'Monodzukuri Center' to make props needed for my assistant MC work. Fukuoka University has full facilities, diverse people, and an environment where opportunities can expand. Whether to make use of it is up to me. That is one of the things I strongly realized in my first year.

I have three more years until graduation, so I want to increase my 'drawers of experience.' I feel that learning at the TV station, experiencing the atmosphere of the B-League venue, and studying in the Faculty of Commerce are all connected. In the future, I want to become an announcer who can contribute to my home prefecture, Kagoshima. That desire is much clearer now than it was when I first enrolled.