ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO from the dance and vocal group "EXILE" appeared on Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's long-running talk show "Tetsuko's Room" (TV Asahi), which aired on November 7th. ATSUSHI spoke about his experience recovering in India and the pair's future challenges.
ATSUSHI ceased activities in 2023. "I suffered carbon monoxide poisoning in an accident. I was in a small room in a restaurant with poor ventilation, and by chance the ventilation fan was not working properly," he revealed. Even when he hummed, he was out of tune, and he felt hopeless that he might not be able to return, but he expressed his gratitude, saying, "The other members were so kind and waited for me, and the company and fans all said they wanted me to come back someday, so I was able to come back."
During his hiatus, he tried various treatments, but was recommended to try meditation in India. He actually went to India and meditated in a temple-like setting, and it was effective, he says, "It improved my physical condition twice as quickly." He recalls, "I was able to look inside myself and let go of the things I didn't need, like the conflicts and attachments I'd been carrying for over 20 years, and it gave me a fresh start." "I felt lighter, mentally," TAKAHIRO said, adding, "My complexion and the sparkle in my eyes were different, so I thought it was incredibly effective."
Regarding future challenges, ATSUSHI said, "I've spent a long time working hard, thinking I had to set goals and work hard, so my mindset has gradually shifted to thinking about how much I can do for others, or what I can do for children in orphanages. What I used to do for myself and my friends, now that EXILE is entering its 25th year, I feel like I'm doing it for a purpose, continuing it." TAKAHIRO said, "As a vocalist, I want to continue to work hard and hone my singing."
