Imagine a library out there where the carefully planned architecture of the interior features bookshelves with elliptical curves that gently slope and connect each floor. Books of various genres are easily displayed. Simply walking around and gazing at the books adorning the walls exposes one to new knowledge and surprising encounters. This is true for radio, too. When you focus on the information entering your ears, perhaps during household chores or commuting, you may have moments of realization or empathy, resulting in new perspectives.
Mitsukuni Miyazawa (known as Mitsukuni-san) is an active radio DJ on FM Yokohama (84.7MHz). He’s been a popular figure since his debut 28 years ago and has been broadcasting ever since. Currently, he’s the main personality behind “Chōdo Ii Radio” (Just Right Radio) from 6 AM to 9 AM, Monday to Thursday. When asked about the primary appeal of radio, he remarked:
“There are small changes every day. The program is just a platform where various people gather, empathize with each other, and help one another. For example, if we receive a listener comment that says, ‘I feel like I’m going to have an emotional breakdown from parenting,’ listeners who have had similar experiences may respond with, ‘It’s a path everyone goes through, it’s okay, the most important thing is being able to say you’re struggling.’ That kind of empathy, coming from shared ground, is the greatest charm of radio.”
The overall positive mood and tempo of the program are driven by the power of Mitsukuni-san’s words. He also mentions, “I try to cover as many good topics as possible, like stories of gratitude. Unlike television, I believe radio is a medium for the heart.”
Hearing there was a collaborative event between calligrapher Kōka Awazu and Mitsukuni-san at a social wellness facility in Seya, I paid a visit. For those with visual impairments, radio is an important means of gathering information. Meeting many who regularly enjoy his radio program and seeing their joyful expressions made me excited as well. He also shared, “I make sure that I convey messages clearly.” It’s something he always keeps in mind. Even if an issue has no easy solution, he doesn’t want to simply say, “It’s hard, isn’t it?” because at that moment, thinking stops, and people stop considering what comes next.
As a professional who works with words, he has a strong, unwavering mindset, and he shared with me a story from when he was 20 years old. After his Coming-of-Age ceremony, he returned home and found a note from his father and a black leather journal on his desk. The note read, “Since the day I became your father, I’ve written things down that I found valuable in newspaper articles, books, and stories I’ve heard from people. I don’t need this anymore, so I’m passing it on to you, Mitsukuni.” The notebook, filled with words his father had collected to express important thoughts he wanted to convey to his son someday, struck him deeply. The words were so resonant that he was moved to tears. On the page about raising children, the words went something like those quoted below, which have since become the motto for Chōdo Ii Radio:
Make that which is difficult, easy.
As for kindness, make it deep.
And make that which is deep, interesting.