School of Self-Worth

Breaking Barriers with KING-5 Anchor Lori Matsukawa

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Episode notes

In 2000, I was preparing to launch my book “24 Ways to Move More,” and I had a flash of insight. 

KING-5 anchor Lori Matsukawa had agreed to help me with the launch, and I was suddenly aware that I stood on her shoulders.

Lori is a trailblazer in the media. As the former evening anchor for KING-5, her face and powerful, calm presence was a staple on television in Seattle for 36 years until her retirement in 2019.

In this episode, Lori shares about how she got into journalism, some intense experiences she had over the years, and why she began to leverage her role and influence to support other Asian-American journalists, including co-founding the Seattle chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association. 

We also talk about her children’s book, “Brave Mrs. Sato,” and what inspired her to write about picture brides, Japanese women who came to the United States to marry husbands they had never met. 

This episode is full of so many powerful insights and lessons, make sure to tune in! 

The TOP Learnings in this episode: 

  • From beauty pageants to breaking barriers in a predominantly white industry (06:50)
  • Setbacks can be a way to inspire legacy (19:22)
  • Transforming adversity into stories and awards (27:31) 
  • Inspiring change through the Japanese art of flower arrangement, ikebana (34:37)

Lori is a television journalist who has been in the business for more than 40 years. She retired after 36 years as a news anchor at KING TV in Seattle. She was co-founder of the Asian American Journalists Association - Seattle Chapter. She is a cofounder of the Japanese cultural and community Center of Washington. Her children’s book “Brave Mrs. Sato” was published in November 2023.

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