Respected NHK journalist Mayuko Wakuda has announced her departure. Wakuda, widely recognized for her insightful coverage and approachable demeanor, revealed plans for her retirement. Details regarding her future career plans or the date of her final appearance on NHK have not yet been announced. The announcement drew a string of reactions from viewers who have been accustomed to and appreciative of Wakuda's consistent presence and reliable reporting.

Television anchors in Japan command a significant amount of visibility and trust among viewers, often becoming household names. Retirement or career changes of popular anchors are widely covered in Japanese media, indicating people's interest and emotional investment in these public figures. A combination of societal respect for the profession and individual charisma contributes to this heightened interest.

Much like in the US or EU, television journalists in Japan have a great influence and are often seen as opinion leaders. The retirement or career transition of such a high-profile figure would be covered extensively, as seen in cases such as Diane Sawyer in the US and David Dimbleby in the UK. Personalities in broadcasting hold an important place in pop culture, signifying societal changes.