On June 26, 2026, the Department of Journalism hosted a guest lecture in collaboration with CNN Academy Tokyo, featuring Hanako Montgomery, International Correspondent at CNN, and Natsumi Sasaki, Senior Director of Content Sales & Strategic Partnerships at CNN International Commercial. The session was moderated by Associate Professor Tomoki Kunieda of the Department of Journalism.

Drawing on their own career experiences, Montgomery and Sasaki gave students an inside look at how journalism is produced in an international news organization. They discussed how CNN teams work across countries and regions, how journalists make editorial decisions about which stories to pursue, and how collaboration takes place within a global newsroom.

The conversation also explored how the ways news is told and delivered are changing. Montgomery and Sasaki spoke about the role of storytelling in making journalism engaging and accessible, the process of developing short-form video, and the challenges news organizations face in reaching audiences as viewing habits and digital platforms continue to shift.

During the Q&A, students asked a range of questions, including on the qualities and training needed to become a journalist, as well as the future of short-form video as a news format.

The event gave students a rare chance to hear directly from CNN professionals about the realities of international journalism today. The Department of Journalism is deeply grateful to Ms. Montgomery and Ms. Sasaki for generously sharing their time and expertise.