Former TBS announcer Hiroshi Kume passed away on January 1st due to lung cancer at the age of 81. His agency, Office Two One, announced the news on their official website on January 13th.
The official website includes a comment from his wife, Reiko, which reads, "He passed away after gulping down his favorite cider in one gulp. Just like when he downed that beer in the final episode of News Station. I don't think he had any regrets about the days he spent running around as a free artist."
Kume was born on July 14, 1944, in Saitama Prefecture. He graduated from the School of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University in 1967 and joined TBS, where he hosted popular programs such as "The Best Ten." He left the company in 1979 to become a freelancer, and also served as a news Caster for TV Asahi's news program "News Station."
◇Comment from Reiko Kume (original text)
I believe Kume remained true to himself until the very end. He passed away after downing his favorite cider in one gulp, just like when he downed that beer in the final episode of News Station. I believe he had no regrets about the days he spent as a free-spirited artist. He was always challenging himself with new things, and looked at the world with a pure heart and questions. He loved the young staff. The moments they spent together, happily exchanging silly jokes, must have been irreplaceable. And above all, his greatest motivation was being able to communicate his true feelings to so many people. Thank you very much. We are eternally grateful.
