Actor Yoshihiko Inohara recently participated in the recording of a special program with freelance announcer Yumiko Udo, "Udo Inocchi's Exploration! World Heritage" (TV Asahi, April 24th, 8pm), in Tokyo, and spoke to the press after the recording. Inohara, who has co-starred with Udo for many years on NHK's morning information program "Asaichi," said, "It's been a long time since we've been together for such a long time (for a recording), but I didn't feel any gap or time apart at all. It felt like the most natural thing in the world." He expressed his complete trust in Udo.
Udo also commented, "It's been eight years since the two of us worked together so closely," and smiled, "I thought there might be some awkwardness or hesitation, but actually, when I was working with Inocchi, we were having more fun together than there was any tension or feeling of being filmed, and I was so relaxed that I wondered, 'How am I doing as an actor?'" Inohara also said, "The time we spent working together before was such an intense time that it's an unforgettable relationship. It feels like our positions are already decided."
The program is a variety show that features Yudo, who has seen the world through the news, and Inohara, who teamed up with her for eight years on "Asaichi," going to the field themselves to experience a world different from that of the news. The two will see and experience the greatness of nature around the world and convey their emotions in an easy-to-understand and cheerful way. This time, their destination is the Big Island of Hawaii. Focusing on the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site, they will explore volcanoes from land, sea, and air.
In response to a question about his "legacy" in his entertainment career, in keeping with the program's title, Inohara answered with a solemn expression, "The experience of appearing on Wednesday 9 pm for 20 years is a valuable asset. I inherited a great deal from the drama that Tsunehiko Watase starred in (Metropolitan Police Department Investigation Division 9, Tokuso9), and I hope to pass that on to my juniors and many other people."
When asked about the popular group Arashi, who will be suspending their activities in May of this year, Inohara said wistfully, "They originally backed V6, and we have a deep relationship, as they even made a movie about my childhood (Pika☆nchi LIFE IS HARD but HAPPY) starring Arashi, and I've always supported them. That's why I also feel a sense of sadness."
Inohara further expressed his feelings in frank and unpretentious words, saying, "Just like when V6 disbanded, the fans were very sad. But even though our activities will end, Arashi will not disappear, nor will they disappear from the hearts of our fans. I hope they will cherish their memories of Arashi, and I myself want to listen to my favorite Arashi songs and remember them from time to time."
