I never thought that the day would come when I would write an essay in English...

It has been 21 years since I joined NTV as a first-ever "mixed-blood" announcer.
I remember that when I joined the company,
 I was anxious about whether I could work as an announcer 
because I had a long life abroad and had little time to speak Japanese. 
In fact, my Japanese wording is naive, my vocabulary is scarce, 
and I am not familiar with Japanese culture. 
I have always worked while feeling the complex. 

 
Japanese people tend to try to compensate for their shortcomings 
rather than to develop their strengths. 
That's Japanese aesthetics.
I understand that I have to face this complex from now on, 
and will try to overcome the shortcomings.

However, on the other hand, being able to speak English and German was a big plus. 
Especially in the world of sports such as the Olympics and World Cup, 
which are global events, language skills have greatly helped. 
I also interviewed a lot of Hollywood stars directly in English and
 was able to hear their true intentions. 
Such experience is a huge asset in my career. 

All mankind have their strong points and shortcomings.
Everybody has his limitations.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. 
That's human. 
From now on,  I will try to shift slightly. 
While recognizing the weak points, I will extend the fields I am good at. 
Writing this relay in English is one of its start.

Why ?
Because I entered this world as an announcer of "mixed race". 
Because I graduated from ZERO and was blessed with new shows. 
Because the era changes from "Heisei" to "Reiwa". 
Because the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games, 
which the world is watching, are approaching next year. 

 
The times are changing rapidly. 
We also have to respond to that change.

 
Welcome to Ralph Suzuki's, beginning of the second season !