Announcer Taichi Yokoyama, graduating from "news Okaeri," talks about his challenge to graduate school at the University of Tokyo and his beloved "TAG Heuer" watch.

Taichi Yokoyama, a popular announcer for Osaka's Asahi Broadcasting Television (ABC), has announced that he will be stepping down as the main MC of the evening news program "news Okaeri" to attend graduate school at the University of Tokyo. Yokoyama, who has always strived for greater heights and continued to challenge himself, was wearing the popular "TAG Heuer Carrera" model when interviewing the cast of the話題 film "TOKYO Taxi." This article delves into Yokoyama's true personality and the reasons behind his choice of watch.

The sudden announcement of graduation, followed by applause that filled the studio.

　On August 26, 2026, the live broadcast of ABC TV's "news Okaeri" was enveloped in an unusual atmosphere. On this day, Taichi Yokoyama graduated from his role as main MC. He stood up to give a farewell speech at the end of the program, and warm applause spread throughout the studio.

"I truly believe that the reason we were able to continue this program is because all of you viewers watched it. Thank you very much. I myself thought about 'news Okaeri' almost every day, from the moment I woke up until I went to sleep. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a job that I felt I could dedicate my entire life to."

　Following his expression of gratitude for supporting the program for four years and five months, Yokoyama revealed another decision that surprised everyone. He would continue his work as an announcer for ABC Television while enrolling in graduate school at the University of Tokyo. This news quickly became a hot topic not only among viewers but also on social media.

　When asked why he decided to pursue further education, Yokoyama said it was the result of constantly asking himself, "What kind of environment would allow me to grow?" While serving as the MC for "news Okaeri," he repeatedly asked himself, "How should the news be conveyed?" and "What is the role of media in this era?" and decided to knock on the door of graduate school in order to find the answers to these questions on his own. Rather than quitting his job, he continued to challenge himself while balancing his studies—this attitude is typical of Yokoyama, who has always strived for greater heights.

The reason why this veteran, now in his 17th year, is so beloved

　Despite being a seasoned veteran, Taichi Yokoyama maintains a constant drive to push himself. His positive attitude and refusal to rest on his laurels, along with his wide range of skills to handle any situation, have earned him the deep trust of his co-stars and staff. Even before taking on the role of MC for "news Okaeri," he juggled numerous programs such as "Asa da! Nama desu Tabi Salad," "Ohayo Call ABC," "Narumi & Okamura no Sugiru TV," and "Yokoyama Taichi no Pikaichi☆Branch!", and actively participated in live commentary for high school and professional baseball games. On June 2, 2021, his commentary on the Hanshin Tigers vs. Orix Buffaloes game was recognized, earning him the Excellence Award in the Sports Commentary category at the 20th ANN Announcer Awards. He is the type of announcer who constantly seeks new goals and updates himself along the way.

　Yokoyama, a native of Kanagawa Prefecture, graduated from Kanagawa Prefectural Yokosuka High School and then from the Faculty of Education and Human Sciences, Department of Education and School Education at Yokohama National University. During his high school and university years, he played as an outfielder on the baseball team. His baseball experience led him to report on the Kansai regional tournament for "Breaking News! The Road to Koshien," and he also served as an Alps reporter from Hanshin Koshien Stadium during the main tournament. In 2011, his name was first introduced as a play-by-play announcer on the "ABC Fresh Up Baseball" website.

　His wide range of hobbies is another factor contributing to Yokoyama's popularity. Known as a ramen lover who eats more than 200 bowls a year, he was given a segment called "Yokoyama Taichi's Noodle Fanatic" on "Ohayo Call ABC," and this tradition was continued in the irregular segment "Omotenashi Noodle Fanatic" on "news Okaeri." In addition to ramen, his interests are wide-ranging, including watching baseball, horse racing, and cycling trips.

My "partner" unexpectedly appeared in this photo.

"TOKYO Taxi" is a Japanese remake of the film "Paris Taxi," directed by Yoji Yamada. It's a heartwarming story depicting the interaction between a taxi driver played by Takuya Kimura and an elderly woman played by Chieko Baisho. To coincide with the film's release, "news Okaeri" conducted an interview with the two lead actors, with Taichi Yokoyama acting as the interviewer. During the interview, Yokoyama was wearing a striking wristwatch on his left arm.

　The program featured stories about a special routine of basic training that he and director Yamada always did on set, as well as heartwarming anecdotes about how the atmosphere on set never became tense even when there were retakes. Amidst these friendly exchanges, that one item had a strong presence in the corner of the screen.

My favorite "TAG Heuer Carrera"

　At that moment, the watch on Taichi Yokoyama's left wrist appeared to be a TAG Heuer Carrera. It features a 41mm diameter stainless steel case and is equipped with an automatic chronograph movement, Cal. 1887. Although the case thickness is a somewhat thick 15.55mm, the design incorporates a raised bezel to make it appear less bulky.

　The TAG Heuer Carrera has remained a central collection for the brand, undergoing more than 10 model changes since its debut. The model worn by Yokoyama features sub-dials at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, reminiscent of the original "Carrera," and a tachymeter scale is featured on the flange. The name "Carrera" itself originates from the "Carrera Panaamericana Mexico," a grueling public road race held in Mexico in the 1950s. Despite bearing the name of an extreme race covering more than 3000 km in 8 days, the design avoids aggressive statements and is characterized by its refined and elegant finish.

　Without being overly conspicuous in public, yet exuding a strong presence—this sense of balance is precisely why the TAG Heuer Carrera has remained popular for over half a century. Yokoyama's choice of this particular model from the extensive lineup likely stemmed not only from its versatility in suiting various occasions, but also from his respect for the original model.

　At 40 years old, Yokoyama is juggling two roles: announcer and graduate student. Even after graduating from his major role as main MC of "news Okaeri," his attitude of tackling new challenges is the very same hungry spirit he has shown in numerous situations throughout his career. What kind of scenery will Yokoyama Taichi show us as he takes on the next stage while skillfully juggling these two roles? We look forward to his new chapter, accompanied by the TAG Heuer Carrera on his wrist.