Actress Kyoko Yoshine will serve as a charity partner for Nippon Television's charity program "24-Hour Television 49 - Love Saves the Earth -" which will air on August 29th and 30th. Reflecting on her feelings when she was asked to appear, Yoshine said, "I myself had a disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome when I was in junior high school, so I accepted with the feeling that 'I wonder if there is anything I can do to help, even just a little,' and 'I want to help.'"
One of the projects Yoshine is working on for this year's 24-Hour Television is an "art performance." Through a live art performance from the Ryogoku Kokugikan, she will depict a "family story."
Joining Yoshine in this art performance is Akari, a third-grade elementary school girl battling childhood cancer. At the age of three, a tumor was found in her cerebellum and she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. However, she has diligently pursued treatment and is now attending elementary school while battling the after-effects, moving forward one step at a time.
Yoshine herself experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that causes symptoms such as weakness in the arms and legs, when she was in the second year of junior high school. Drawing on her own experience battling the illness and her feelings at the time, she will portray the story of the girl and her family.
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 Kyoko Yoshine
-- How did you feel when you received the offer to become a charity partner?
My initial reaction was, "Me?!" I had watched it on TV every year, so I was surprised that I would actually be given the opportunity.
At the same time, I myself had Guillain-Barré syndrome when I was in junior high school, so I accepted the offer with the feeling that "I wonder if there's anything I can do to help, even just a little," and "I want to help."
-- What past encounter led you to accept the job?
Someone I met in the past told me, "Actually, I got Guillain-Barré syndrome last year. When I looked it up online, I found out that you had also had it, and it really encouraged me."
Until then, I honestly wasn't sure how much I should talk about my illness, but knowing that my experience of being ill had become a source of strength for someone made me incredibly happy.
Illnesses come in many forms, so I can't generalize, but I would be very happy if my participation could help even one person feel more positive, and I want to find ways to contribute that only I can.
--About the "art performance" you will be undertaking this time
This time, we'll be trying our hand at art performance. Together, the two of us will express a "family story" through art performance. We're nervous, but we'll do our best.
--Regarding this year's theme, "My Family Story ~Who do you think of?~"
I personally experience many moments when I truly feel that my family is my reason for living. Even during tough times at work, there have been countless times when I was able to persevere because of the strength of my family. For me, my family is always a source of strength.
I've always received a lot of support from my family, both regarding my health and my work. Even now, when work is tough, my mother cooks nutritious meals for me and is always worried about me and helps me out. This theme really resonates with me.
-- A message to our viewers
I will be serving as a charity partner this year. I'm feeling both nervous and excited about what these two days of 24-Hour Television will be like for me.
I would be delighted if I could bring a positive feeling to as many people as possible, so please do take a look.
