[Expo MC Report] Senegal - What I Learned from Hosting in French and Japanese

2025/08/27 2025/10/17

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I had the honor of serving as the bilingual MC for the Republic of Senegal National Day event held at the Expo 2025 National Day Hall. This time, the program was conducted in French and Japanese — I was in charge of the Japanese part, while another Japanese MC handled the French. Since most of my previous hosting experience has been in English, this French–Japanese combination felt refreshingly different — the atmosphere, the rhythm, and the energy were all unique and inspiring.

What impressed me from the rehearsal stage was the character and attitude of the Senegalese team. The main coordinator was exceptionally punctual — in fact, it was the first time during all my Expo rehearsals that someone asked me, “How many minutes exactly?” with such precision. It truly showed their professionalism and respect for time.

The fashion show segment featured about twenty young Senegalese participants. The leader was very strict, often saying, “If one person makes a mistake, we’ll all do it again!” It was striking to see how they valued unity and collective excellence. Watching them walk confidently down the runway with pride and poise left a deep impression on me. I had heard that Senegal faces social and economic disparities, but what I witnessed was a community of people who were highly educated, confident, and full of self-respect — and that was truly inspiring.

During the main event, I also had the chance to observe the French MC interpreting live. It reminded me of the power of learning languages and turning them into a professional skill. This experience reignited my desire to become a bilingual MC who can also interpret on stage.

International events like this are much more than language work — they’re opportunities to encounter new cultures, perspectives, and values. It was a day full of learning, growth, and renewed motivation to continue evolving as an MC who connects people beyond borders.