Yusuke Anazawa, a blind violinist, talks about the “behind-the-scenes radio story” at his solo concert「It’s a bit of a tricky medium…」【Kanazawa Topics】

Yusuke Anazawa, a blind violinist, gave a solo live performance at a small live house in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, again on April 3, following his performance last November. He entertained the audience with his light violin performance and talk, and drew laughter by sharing the backstory of the radio program for which he is a personality.

Yusuke Anazawa performing at a solo live concert (image from 『takky@LiveHouse Tsudoh Kanazawa』 Twitter)

Violinist Yusuke Anazawa and Yuzuru Hanyu

Yusuke Anazawa, a blind violinist, may not be familiar to some people, but he attracted attention as a “sports-loving disabled person” commentator for NHK’s universal broadcast of the 2022 Tokyo and Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

Moreover, it is still a story that Yuzuru Hanyu gave an in-depth commentary on the opening theme song of the historical drama 『Heaven and Earth』 used in the free program on NHK’s 『Highlights for Everyone at the Beijing Olympics』 from a musical perspective.

Radio personality Yusuke Anazawa

Yusuke Anazawa is actually the personality of 「Link Square」 broadcast on NHK Radio 2’s 『Visually Impaired Navi Radio』 on the first Sunday of every month, along with prosthetic eye percussionist Yukiko Tomita, and responds to listeners’ questions and concerns.

At the 『Yusuke Anazawa Spring Live in Kanazawa』 held on April 3 at Tsudoh, a live house in Kanazawa City, Mr. Anazawa spoke during the MC session, saying, 「Radio is a bit of a tricky medium…」 Unlike TV programs, the listening rate is not clearly known, a situation that is unique to radio.

While TV viewership ratings are often discussed as to whether they are up or down, Mr. Anazawa says that in radio, there is no quantification and that 「listener letters are the barometer of popularity」. After revealing the backstory, Mr. Anazawa appealed, 「I think I’m starting to see what you’re getting at」, (laugh).

Live House Tsudoh Information