Eriko Kitagawa：YouTube channel "Kitagawa Radio" launched, broadcasting from the hospital (full comment)

On September 18th, it was revealed that screenwriter Kitagawa Etsuko has opened a YouTube channel called "Kitagawa Radio." Kitagawa, who is currently hospitalized after developing an incurable disease, will share her thoughts about her illness, her current situation, her work, and more. The first episode will be broadcast at 6pm on the same day, and thereafter will be broadcast irregularly.

Kitagawa is a popular screenwriter who has produced a number of hits, including "Just the Way You Are," "Say You Love Me," "Long Vacation," "Beautiful Life," and "Orange Days." She also attracted attention when she confessed that she suffers from ulcerative colitis, a designated incurable disease.

The channel is made up of three pillars: "Barrier-free Mind," "There is a way to live any kind of life!" and "I have lived by writing. (A story about a popular drama, and what writing is)." She said that the channel will be broadcast in a radio format, saying, "It's YouTube, but I'm in the hospital, so I'll just be talking. Just my voice."

◇Full comment from Kitagawa Etsuko

I've been working hard to write despite my illness. While repeatedly being admitted to and discharged from the hospital.

There were times when I couldn't write.

I spent my days gazing out the small window of the hospital.

But I don't think it was hopeless.

Happiness can be found in unexpected places,

Hope for the future is a person's freedom and right to live.

I wanted to move forward even a little.

Instead of writing, I wanted to say something.

Then, one day, I suddenly started talking to myself on a voice memo on my smartphone.

Oh, I wonder if I can make something like a radio?

That's when I started thinking about doing this YouTube.

It's YouTube, but since I'm in the hospital, I'm just talking.
Just my voice. (I can't show you my pajamas!)

I want to make it like a radio.

There are all kinds of YouTubes,

but I don't think there are any that have been told inside the hospital.

I'm talking from my bed. The hospital is a mysterious place between life and death.

A different space where time seems to have stopped. So, what on earth will I start talking about there?

It's both scary and exciting.
It's like the beginning of writing a drama...
I hope that, like a drama, it will reach someone, somewhere.