Based on the theme of "One Step, One Encounter," actor Junji Takada strolls freely through various locations, interacting with the people he meets in his familiar casual mannerisms. TV Asahi's travel program "Junsanpo" (Monday to Friday, 9:55 AM) celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 28th. Takada, who turned 78 this year, spoke to us in an interview about his thoughts on reaching this milestone and his outlook for the future.
◇Try not to talk to your grandpa as much as possible?
"Jun Walk" began on September 28, 2015 as the third installment of TV Asahi's walking series, following the late Takeo Chii's "Chii Walk" (April 2006 to May 2012) and Yuzo Kayama's "Young Master's Leisurely Walk" (May 2012 to September 2015).
"Ten years has gone by in the blink of an eye. It feels like it just started," said Takada. Looking back on his life, he said, "Ten years ago, I developed spinal stenosis, and I heard about this program during my post-operative rehabilitation. I was so happy that I replied cheerfully, and they asked me, 'So Takada, can you draw?' Chii and Kayama were drawing, so I thought I should too, but I hadn't drawn a picture in a long time, so I drew one and brought it to them while crying (laughs). I was able to somehow make it into a form, so I started the program."
Since she had just started rehabilitation, she initially "walked timidly," but as she continued, her physical condition improved. "Thanks to this, my legs and hips are now stronger," she said with a smile.
Filming generally begins around 8 a.m. "So I don't meet many office workers. I mostly meet old men and women. They're happy to talk if you ask them questions, but 9 out of 10 old men in particular will tell you dirty jokes. That all ends up being cut, so even when I do meet them, I try not to talk to them (laughs)."
Even after 10 years, he still feels that "people can't be judged at first glance." "Someone who seems interesting turns out to be surprisingly not, and vice versa..."
The past 10 years have also seen the COVID-19 pandemic. "When a pharmacy was shown on the show, people apparently rushed in because they saw a pile of masks there. But it wasn't a live broadcast (laughs). Things like that happened."
◇Where would you like to take a walk in the future?
He revealed that he has never had to miss a location shoot in the past 10 years, despite not suffering from any serious illness. Last year, he turned 77, but he is still in great shape. "I'd like to continue for another four or five years," he said. "However, there are also the station's schedules, so I don't think it will go as planned. Maybe I'll switch to the bus halfway through, like Tokumitsu (Kazuo) (laughs)."
When asked about places he would like to take a walk in the future, he said, "I've mainly been to Tokyo, so I've been to most of the places," and added, "Maybe around the border between Tokyo and other prefectures. I'd like to go to a mysterious place that still has a Showa-era feel to it."
When asked who he would like to take a walk with, he quickly replied, "There weren't many female guests, so a young, beautiful woman would be good (laughs)." He continued in his usual casual style, "Ah, please say it's a top-class 'cute girl'."
"Junsanpo" is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special period running until the end of the year, and various events are being planned. For the first time in the show's history, a "Los Angeles Special" will be broadcast nationwide on October 5th at 1:55 pm (excluding some areas).
