NTV’s popular program “The! DASH! (every Sunday at 7:00 p.m.), a popular NTV program, passed away on July 11. The program announced, “Mr. Kinko Sanpei (94 years old) passed away on July 11. We pray for his soul rest in peace,” and a picture of Mr. Sanpei was shown on the screen. Sanbei was a “charcoal master” who had worked in the mountains since his teenage years, earning his living as a charcoal maker. He has been involved in the “DASH Village” project since its early stages and has carefully taught the TOKIO members about farming and charcoal-making techniques. His simple and warm personality and proven skills have left a strong impression on viewers. On this day’s broadcast, Shigeru Jojima, Masahiro Matsuoka, and Joichiro Fujiwara of Naniwa Boys participated in the rice harvesting. Matsuoka said, “Kanemitsu-san is happy too,” and encouraged the participants to harvest rice for the 25th year. The viewers commented, “Kanemitsu-san is also a member of DASH, so this is TETSUWAN DASH to properly mourn the farmers who have helped us for many years. I’m so sorry for your loss,” “I pray for Kanemitsu-san’s soul rest in peace,” “No way… but he lived a long life,” “I’m about to cry as I flash back to memories of the old show,” etc.
