Ellen Nishiumi. Photographed by Noel dela Torre
As the host of “Oh Tokyo,” Ellen Nishiumi inspired a life of travel and culture for Filipinos.
Before influencers and travel vloggers dominated the digital space, Ellen Legasto Nishiumi paved the way as the lively host of the travel magazine program Oh Tokyo. She became a cultural touchstone for Filipino millennials, showcasing the wonders of Japan on TV at a time when leisure travel seemed like an unattainable dream for most of her audience. Her magnetic personality, deep respect for Japanese culture, and a distinct brand of humor turned the show into a beloved cult classic that continues to resonate a quarter of a century later.
“I never thought it would connect so profoundly,” Ellen reflects, sitting in a sunlit café in Hibiya Park. Modestly, she describes Oh Tokyo as a project she stumbled upon unexpectedly, aimed at sharing the unique facets of Japan. Its impact, however, was transformative. At the time, Japan was an enigma to many young Filipinos; a neighbor geographically yet it felt much more distant due to stringent visa requirements and prohibitive travel costs. Oh Tokyo became a bridge, inspiring wanderlust among a generation already enamored with Japanese anime and other cultural exports of the 1990s.
Ellen’s path to becoming a TV personality began in the late ’80s when she moved to Tokyo as a dancer. “I never hid the fact that I came here as an entertainer,” she shares candidly. It was during this chapter of her life that she met Teddy, the local businessman who would later become her husband. His unwavering encouragement and frequent visits to the Philippines strengthened their bond. “He always supported me, which made life in Japan even more rewarding,” she recalls. While adjusting to her new life as a housewife, a chance encounter led Ellen to accompany a friend working on Oh Tokyo. “I started giving her tips and even coaching her during shoots,” Ellen says. This caught the director’s attention, and soon Ellen was invited to give it a try.
What started as occasional appearances quickly turned into Ellen becoming the show’s face, thanks to her natural on-screen presence and impressive command of proper and elegant Tagalog. Growing up in Laguna had instilled in her a linguistic fluency that even modern journalists would envy. While her language remained polished, her vibrant personality made the show engaging and relatable. “Most of the time, I forgot I was on camera,” Ellen says, recalling her unfiltered reactions to food and cultural experiences. “I’d sometimes apologize for off-the-cuff remarks, but the director loved how genuine they were.”
Segments ranged from sampling street food to mastering intricate cultural traditions, all delivered with Ellen’s infectious enthusiasm. “I wanted to present Japan in a way that felt accessible,” she explains. Filipino viewers were drawn to her authenticity and charm. It wasn’t until her parents’ friends recognized her on TV that she realized the show’s growing popularity. “I hadn’t even told my parents!” she laughs. Covering Filipino events in Japan often brought her face-to-face with celebrities who excitedly asked for photos with her. “That’s when I knew people were really watching,” she says.
“We’ve built a life together that allows us to pursue what we love while navigating it all hand in hand.”
Oh Tokyo aired until 2008, ending after the passing of Tsuzuku Hiroaki, the show’s director and producer. Ellen transitioned to office work, where she would spend 14 years away from the camera. She later on transitioned to taking on freelance work and would occasionally curate personalized tours for Filipino travelers in Japan, offering them a modern rendition of the Oh Tokyo experience.
“I admit it’s something I truly enjoyed,” Ellen muses, her poised demeanor and strong composure hinting at the influence of her four decades in Japan. A glimmer in her eyes, however, reveals her excitement at the idea of reigniting that passion. “I’ve considered making a comeback, perhaps through digital platforms,” she hints, her tone balancing curiosity with the determination of someone ready to embrace a new challenge.
In recent years, Japan has experienced a remarkable tourism surge, welcoming roughly 35 million visitors in 2024 alone. Among them are an increasing number of Filipinos, whose trips often feel like a homecoming of sorts. Many grew up watching Oh Tokyo, their fascination with the country sparked by Ellen’s engaging storytelling. Now, with Japan easing visa processes for Southeast Asian travelers, Ellen finds herself in a unique position to reintroduce the country through fresh eyes; connecting past inspiration to the present tourism boom.
While she’s still undecided, the prospect excites her. While technology poses a learning curve, she sees immense potential in reaching new audiences. “There are so many stories still waiting to be told,” she says. Now nearing 60, Ellen feels rejuvenated by the possibility of merging her love for storytelling with her advocacy for promoting Japanese artisans and local crafts.
Ellen’s enduring partnership with Teddy continues to be a source of strength and reason. “I asked Teddy if I should go back, and as always, he left the decision to me,” she shares. Their marriage thrives on mutual respect and encouragement for each other’s passions. “We’ve built a life together that allows us to pursue what we love while navigating it all hand in hand,” she says warmly.
If Ellen does make a comeback, she says it might take a different direction, reflecting the evolving ways people consume stories today. “The world has changed, and so has storytelling,” she observes. She envisions experimenting with new formats—perhaps a digital series or interactive content that captures the vibrant connection between Japan and the Philippines. While her plans are still forming, her love for sharing authentic and entertaining narratives remain. “We’ll see where this leads,” she says with a reflective smile, savoring her coffee. “Good stories take time.”
