On February 18th, TV Asahi aired a special emergency program, "Thank you, Toshiyuki Nishida - Rest in peace, a great actor like no other," which traces the trajectory of actor Toshiyuki Nishida, who passed away at the age of 76 in October last year. The program also aired the full, uncut eulogies given by actor Ryoko Yonekura and screenwriter Koki Mitani at the "farewell ceremony" held in Tokyo on the same day.
Yonekura, who co-starred with Nishida for many years in the TV Asahi drama series "Doctor X," said of the sudden news of his death, "I clearly remember crying out loud on the train, without any preparation." She called out to Nishida in heaven, "Please continue to watch over Japan's entertainment industry. And if you feel like it, please come and act with me. I love you."
Mitani mentioned the characters that Nishida has played and expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm sure the alter egos that Nishida left behind will continue to make us laugh, cry, delight and entertain us for a long time to come."
◇Full text of Ryoko Yonekura's eulogy
Toshi-chan, I find it strange that I am standing here giving a eulogy for Mr. Nishida, who had such a wide circle of friends.
Before I knew it, Nishida-san had become Toshi-chan. My wish came true after I had admired him, and he became my co-star, drinking buddy, karaoke buddy, and confidant, and before I knew it, he had become the actor I aspire to be. Through the drama "Doctor-X," he became like family to me, and time has flown since we first co-starred in 2013. Then, when I found out he had passed away, as if we had been transported to another world, I clearly remember crying out loud on the train, not being prepared for it.
Toshi-chan is able to freely express joy, anger, sorrow and happiness, break down the barriers between men and women of all ages, expand friendships and seem to be enjoying life to the fullest, so he is the number one person I want to emulate, both as an actor and as a person.
I think everyone, including myself, is envious of Toshi-chan's sensitive antennae. Whether he was being affectionate, getting angry, expressing his opinion, or making people laugh, Toshi-chan was always at the center of attention. I honestly wished I could have met and connected with more of Toshi-chan's beloved friends at the banquet, but now I'm able to meet you all like this. Thank you.
I don't have any foundation as an actor, but I feel like watching Toshi-chan's back made me realize the fundamental things I've always been anxious about and searching for. I'm sure there will be many more discoveries and worries to come, but that's what's so interesting about being an actor. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all the generous and loving advice you gave me.
I'm actually sad and wish we could have spent more time together, but please continue to watch over Japan's entertainment industry from heaven. And if you feel like it, please come and use my body to act in your plays. I love you.
◇Full text of Koki Mitani's eulogy
He was always a cheerful person. There was always laughter around Nishida-san. Today, Nishida-san is at the center of this solemn venue. I can't help but feel uncomfortable about this reality.
This is a story I heard from Nishida. A long time ago, when they were shooting a drama called "Journey to the West" at the foot of Mt. Fuji. During a break, Nishida couldn't hold it in any longer and quietly defecated in the grass. Then, a platoon of the Self-Defense Forces passed by and saw Nishida relieving himself in the form of a pig, and they all instinctively saluted. I've heard this story from Nishida several times, but there are several different versions, such as a tank stopping or a parachute unit descending, so which one is the real story? There is no way to confirm it now.
There are some words that Nishida-san gave me. When he appeared in my movie (The Magic Hour), Nishida-san called me to a corner of the studio before filming started. It was a scene where Sato Koichi, who played an unsuccessful actor, repeatedly licked a knife in front of Nishida-san, who played a gang boss. Nishida-san pointed to his own line, "If you like it that much, take it with you," and said, "Thank you for writing such an interesting scene. I was so looking forward to saying this line." As a scriptwriter, there are no words that make me happier. Because of Nishida-san's words at that time, I can continue doing this work even now.
We will no longer be able to meet Nishida-san, but the various characters he played will continue to entertain us for a long time to come. For example, the cheerful cameraman, the kind-hearted loan shark, the slightly overweight Kinoshita Tokichirō, the businessman who loves fishing, the world-famous adventurer, the cold-hearted doctor, the cold-hearted doctor's father-in-law, the passionate movie theater owner, the charming defeated samurai, Cho Hakkai, Kindaichi Kosuke, the Tokugawa Shogun, the Tokugawa Shogun, the Tokugawa Shogun.
Nishida-san once wrote about his life: "I simply want to make people happy and entertain, and in doing so, make myself happy and entertained." Don't worry, Nishida-san. The alter egos that Nishida-san left behind will continue to make us laugh, cry, delight, and entertain us for a long time to come. With gratitude. Toshiyuki Nishida-san.
