Actor Ken Matsudaira and impersonator Korokke appeared on Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's long-running talk show "Tetsuko's Room" (TV Asahi), which aired on January 7th. The two, who met through a joint concert, talked about their resolutions for this year and the secrets to staying healthy.
At the age of 72, Matsudaira still performs intense sword fighting on stage, and for the first time in 20 years he rode a horse for filming of "Abarenbo Shogun" (same station) broadcast last year. The secret to his health is walking. "I do it almost every day when I can. I walk for about 20 minutes to an hour," he explains. He says he brings notes with him and memorizes his lines while walking.
Croquette, who will be performing with Matsudaira at a joint concert, was surprised by Matsudaira's behavior before entering the dressing room. "(Before a performance) most people move their bodies when they enter the dressing room. But Matsudaira takes a walk before entering the dressing room. He walks so much that it makes you wonder, 'Does he really go that far?'" he said.
Croquette had artificial joints put in both knees in February of last year. "Since I had the knee surgery, I've been creating something a little new in my own performance. I've been reborn, and I think that will bring even more joy to the audience," he promised his fans.
When asked by Tetsuko about his aspirations for this year, Matsudaira replied, "Health is the most important thing. After all, if I'm not healthy, everyone can't enjoy themselves," while Korokke enthusiastically said that as the Year of the Horse approaches, he will "change into a horse."
