It has been revealed that actor Jun Shison will be the charity partner for "24 Hour TV 48 - Love Saves the Earth -," which will be broadcast on the Nippon Television Network on August 30 and 31. Shison expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "If there's anything I can do to help, including using my own experiences, I'd like to do my best."
Four years ago, at the age of 26, Shison suffered from acute myocarditis, a serious heart disease that could be life-threatening, and was forced to stay in the ICU for a time. This experience, in which he faced the preciousness of life, was a major reason for him to participate in the 24-Hour Television.
Shison will be facing 26-year-old Ryu Nagashima, who was diagnosed with stage IV small intestine cancer in February of this year, which is said to have an incidence rate of 1 in 100,000. Nagashima has been sharing the reality of his battle with the disease in a positive manner on social media, and his sincere attitude of wanting to give as much courage and hope as possible to many people has garnered sympathy.
Shison, who visited Nagashima's house, immediately hit it off with him, calling him "Ryu-kun" and "Jun-kun," saying, "I couldn't believe it was the first time we'd met." They were of the same age and shared a common interest in baseball and kickboxing, so the interview was very friendly.
Shison says, "When I watch Ryu-kun's videos, I feel like 'What am I saying? I can try harder.' I hope I can be of some help to Ryu-kun as he continues to fight."
"24 Hour TV 48 - Love Saves the Earth" will be broadcast on August 30th and 31st. The general hosts will be Shinya Ueda, Shinichi Hatori, and Nippon Television announcer Asami Mizuto. Charity partners are people who participate in program planning for disaster recovery and support for the disabled, and help to expand the circle of charity.
◇Comment from Jun Shison
--What are your thoughts on becoming a charity partner?
I was really surprised because I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to be involved in 24 Hour Television, which I have always watched as a viewer. At first, I was worried about whether there was anything I could really do, but I decided to appear as a charity partner this time, thinking that if there was anything I could do to help, including using my own experiences, I would like to do my best.
Four years ago, when I was 26, I fell seriously ill. I believe that my experience at that time and the thoughts I had at the time have shaped who I am today. I think each viewer will have their own feelings about it, but as someone who has had that experience, I want to be there for all kinds of people in my own way.
--About this year's 24-Hour TV theme, "Tell me about yourself"
This is exactly the big theme for me when I interact with people. I think ignorance is the scariest thing. It's important to "teach me," but it's also very important to "try to learn," so I'm conscious of taking the initiative to "try to learn." In order to learn, to be taught, I try to think about how I can interact with people and get close to them. I want to listen to the stories of many different people and get close to them in my own way.
--About the hosts Shinya Ueda, Shinichi Hatori, and Asami Miura, and the already announced charity partner Minami Hamabe
I feel encouraged to be able to empathize with the feelings of so many people together with such wonderful people. The three general hosts are always the ones who support me a lot whenever we work together on a show, but this time I'm the charity partner, so I hope that instead of just being supported by everyone, I can be there for many people together. I also feel encouraged to work with Hamabe-san, and as fellow charity partners, I want to work together to create a show that many people can watch.
--I heard that you and the host, Ueda-san, have been friends for a long time.
More than 10 years ago, when I had just debuted and was still a teenager with little experience on variety shows, Ueda-san invited me to appear on a quiz show hosted by him many times. Even now, whenever we work together, he always gives me kind words. During recording, I feel a little pressured, wondering "What will he ask me next?" (laughs), but when the cameras aren't rolling, he is always considerate to me. I feel like he is an "older brother," and whenever I meet him, I am reminded of my original intentions and my back is straightened.
--Please tell us your thoughts on the project you are working on this time.
I had the opportunity to interview a 26-year-old man who is fighting cancer. When I met him, I found him to be a very cheerful person, and he gave me the strength to try my best. I would like to face him with all my might as he lives life to the fullest, and do my best to support him in what he wants to tell everyone and what he wants to accomplish. I would like to learn about him with all my might, get to know him, and be able to properly convey what he wants to say.
