It has been revealed that actor Ikusaburo Yamazaki will serve as a charity partner for Nippon Television's charity program "24-Hour Television 49 - Love Saves the Earth -" which will be broadcast on August 29th and 30th. Yamazaki, who himself has experience providing home care in his teens, will visit the homes of "medically fragile children" who require 24-hour medical care on a daily basis.
Children requiring medical care are those who, even after being discharged from neonatal intensive care units or similar facilities, require 24-hour medical care, including the use of ventilators, gastrostomy tubes, suctioning of mucus, and tube feeding. The estimated number of such children nationwide is 21,126 (according to the Agency for Children and Families), a number that has doubled in approximately 20 years. While the "Act on Support for Children Requiring Medical Care and Their Families" was enacted in 2021, establishing support from local governments as a responsibility, societal understanding is still considered insufficient.
In late May, Yamazaki visited the home of Junichiro and Soichiro Yamashita, twin piano duo known as "Anizu," whose younger brother requires medical care. "Anizu" are highly regarded twin pianists, having won first place in the piano duet division of an international music competition and performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York two years ago.
The younger brother of these "big brothers," Koichiro, is nine years younger and requires medical care. Koichiro was unable to breathe on his own shortly after birth and was later diagnosed with Ohtahara syndrome, a rare and intractable form of epilepsy. He is bedridden, requires a ventilator, has difficulty moving, and needs 24-hour medical care. Living with their younger brother, the brothers realized that children like him have few opportunities to experience live music, so they have been performing volunteer concerts at facilities and using live streaming services.
In front of Ms. Yamazaki, who was visiting their home, the "older brothers" skillfully changed Koichiro's diaper and administered fluids using a feeding tube. "When we were little, when we heard that he was being discharged from the hospital, we thought he would come home healthy," the two brothers said. As they grew older, they came to understand that this was not possible, and they decided to become doctors so that they could one day cure their younger brother's illness.
The two then showed us a thick notebook filled with evidence of Koichiro's life. The notebook was packed with letters written by his elementary school-aged "older brothers" wishing for his recovery, as well as handwritten notes and photos documenting his growth. "It's a treasure filled with so much love," Yamazaki said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Yamazaki, who experienced living with her grandparents who needed care during her student days, commented, "At the time, I was just focused on what was in front of me, but looking back now, I think I learned about the importance of empathizing with someone's pain and the miracle of life during that time. That's why, this time, every time I encountered the thoughts, daily struggles, and love of each family, I found myself relating to parts of my own experience." She added, "I hope that through this '24-Hour Television,' it can be a time to offer even a little support to those who are currently supporting someone, those who are struggling with problems, and those who are working hard for their families."
This year marks the 49th broadcast of "24-Hour Television," and its theme is "My Family Story ~Who do you think of?~". Shinichi Hatori and announcer Asami Miura will serve as the main hosts, joined by Teruyoshi Uchimura. Popular group SixTONES will be the charity partner, Chanmina will be the special supporter, and the traditional charity T-shirt will be designed for the second year in a row by Gosho Aoyama , the creator of " Detective Conan ."
◇Comment from Ikusaburo Yamazaki
--Thoughts on becoming a charity partner
I feel incredibly honored to be involved as a charity partner of "24-Hour Television," a program I've watched since I was a child.
At first, I was unsure of what I could do, but after meeting the family of the twin pianists, "The Brothers," who live with their younger brother who requires medical care, and listening to their story, I was deeply moved by their immense family love and decided that I too wanted to face the situation head-on as my true self. I was deeply touched by how Junichiro and Soichiro, while studying as medical students, continue to support their younger brother, Koichiro, who suffers from a serious illness. I also felt great kindness and determination in their willingness to personally deliver piano performances to children who need music.
Through this encounter, I want to sincerely deliver what I can do right now, and I want to be there for each and every member of the family.
--What are your thoughts on this year's 24-Hour Television theme, "My Family Story ~Who do you think of?~"? What message would you like to convey to the viewers?
When I hear the word "family," the word "treasure" comes to mind. Family members are a deep connection to me, no matter the time or place. It is because of them that I can move forward and have the courage to take on challenges. I believe that family is a major pillar that allows me to live my life in my own way and with a positive attitude.
Of course, every family is different. But I think it's important for everyone to think about the people who are important to them, to be there for them, and to offer kind words and warm feelings.
Through this year's "24-Hour Television," I hope to reaffirm to myself, through encounters with various families, the importance of knowing that "you are never alone" and the value of having someone who makes you think, "I can keep going because you're there." I would be happy if this could be a time when I can convey that feeling to the viewers.
--This time, Mitsuyoshi Uchimura, Shinichi Hatori, and announcer Asami Miura will be serving as the main hosts. What kind of 24-Hour Television do you want to create with everyone?
I feel truly honored to be working alongside such wonderful people as Mitsuyoshi Uchimura, Shinichi Hatori, and announcer Asami Miura.
I recently had the pleasure of performing with Mr. Uchimura at a live event. What impressed me most about working with him was his unwavering dedication to his work. Despite being a senior figure who has been active on the front lines for many years, he maintained a sense of tension right up until the performance and continued to approach the work with sincerity, which I found very impressive.
I've had the opportunity to work with Mr. Hatori and announcer Miura on programs before, and they are both incredibly warm and welcoming. They create a sense of security that brightens the set, and I feel like I can naturally be myself around them.
This week's theme, "Thinking of Someone," perfectly embodies the feelings of all of you. I hope to rely on such wonderful people and work together with you to make this program a success.
--Please tell us your thoughts on the project you are working on this time.
This time, meeting the families of the "Brothers" who are facing serious illnesses, and various other families, has given me a lot to think about.
During my student days, I experienced living with my grandparents who needed care. At the time, I was overwhelmed with just dealing with the immediate situation, but looking back now, I realize that I learned the importance of empathizing with someone's pain and appreciating the miracle of life. That's why, this time, as I encountered the feelings, daily struggles, and love of each family member, I found myself relating to parts of my own experience.
Through this "24-Hour Television" program, I hope to provide a time to offer even a little support to those who are currently supporting someone, those who are struggling with problems, and those who are working hard for their families. I also want to sincerely engage with the program so that the warmth of "thinking of someone important" reaches all the viewers.
