Terry Ito Column Vol.62 I'm unexpectedly going to become a university professor in September

I will be taking up a position as a specially appointed professor at Tokyo International University in September 2025. Tokyo International University has become a regular participant in the Hakone Ekiden relay race in recent years and enjoys a national reputation. With over 1,800 international students, it is a truly international hub for international exchange. After turning 70 and completing my graduate studies at Keio University's Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC), I had hoped to one day teach students. This desire grew stronger, so I took the bold step of meeting Tokyo International University's President, Mr. Kurata, in person to ask for his position. He was initially hesitant, but perhaps inspired by my unfounded passion, he readily agreed. University professors typically retire at 60, then work for five years with modified employment terms until age 65. After that, it's common for them to move on to teach at another university. Being hired at a time over 70 is an unusual feat. It was only possible because of Terry Ito's name. While the President didn't express it, there were likely voices within the faculty asking, "Will I really be able to teach students?" We can't let the chairman lose face here. We have to bring a breath of fresh air to the school.

So what will I teach? Drawing on my experience in the television and radio industry, I will focus my lectures on "media culture theory." Topics include "Discomfort creates new-age values," "Discovering your own advantages," "After all, television isn't fun if it's not fun," "The hidden female superiority within men," "How to deal with negative vs. positive reporting," "How the media and AI of the future should be handled," and "What is needed to become a surviving media professional." These are just a few of the topics I'd like to cover, but I plan to proceed in this manner. Since each lecture lasts 100 minutes and I tend to talk one-sidedly, students can get bored, so I'm also planning to include time for questions and answers. While this isn't common at university, I sometimes venture out into the city to gain practical experience. I'll visit Shibuya, Harajuku, Marunouchi, and Shimokitazawa to see the real world and interact with people. I want students to experience the real world, something that goes beyond what they can learn from the internet.

To be honest, I'm excited but also a little anxious. That said, opportunities like this don't come around very often. Thanks to the kindness of the chairman, students from all departments will be able to take my classes. I have no idea how many will take the course, but it has certainly made them even more motivated. Of course, there will be exams at the end of the semester and they will be graded. I am currently carefully considering how to grade them, taking into account class attitude, number of days of attendance, and test results. Looking back at my young student days, I never dreamed I would become a university professor. My late mother used to often say to me, "Teruo, how long are you going to keep playing around? Study a bit!" I'm sure she is in heaven, shocked and laughing out loud, now that I've been appointed a university professor.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry