On May 10, 2025, renowned singer Akiko Wada, known affectionately as Akko, appeared on the Nippon Broadcasting program "Good Afternoon! Akko's Good Kagen 1000th" to discuss her ongoing health struggles. The 75-year-old artist opened up about her recent physical ailments, revealing that she has been battling significant pain in her right hip joint and lower back, which has made even simple tasks like walking quite challenging.
During the broadcast, Akko expressed her gratitude towards listeners who sent in messages wishing her well. "Thank you very much. My health hasn't been very good," she admitted candidly. "For the past two or three days, my right hip joint has been hurting, as well as my back. Walking has become difficult, and during a visit to the hospital, I had to take breaks to cope with the pain. It was particularly tough when a dental bridge came loose, adding to my discomfort while moving around the hospital."
Akko described the toll her pain has taken on her sleep, stating, "I can't sleep because of the pain. I woke up seven times last night." She is scheduled for another examination next week and expressed her apprehension about the possibility of surgery, saying, "I don't want to undergo another operation, but I'm uncertain about how to manage this pain." Her honesty about her struggles resonated with many fans, who have followed her career for decades.
In addition to discussing her health, Akko shared a personal touch as Mother's Day approached. She revealed her plans to give her mother a carnation as a gesture of gratitude. "If I could, I would love to spoil my mother again," she said. "It's important to cherish good memories, whether she is around or not." This heartfelt sentiment struck a chord with listeners, illustrating Akko's deep familial bonds.
Amid her health challenges, Akko has been keeping busy with her work, often finishing late in the evening. Recently, a fan gifted her dried seafood from Atami, which she used to prepare a hearty meal. The dinner featured a variety of dishes, including macaroni salad, konjac spicy stew, miso soup loaded with vegetables, and thinly sliced steak. Remarkably, she used 17 cucumbers for a pickle dish and cooked nine go of rice, with three go left over after the meal shared with her husband and managers.
However, not everything went smoothly in her kitchen. When Akko asked her husband to buy macaroni, he mistakenly returned with spaghetti instead. This mix-up led to a minor disagreement between the couple, showcasing the everyday challenges they face. Akko humorously recounted how she requested her husband to purchase a steam eye mask online, which sparked a discussion that ended abruptly. "Let's leave that conversation for another time," she said, acknowledging that some topics might be better left untouched.
Despite her health concerns and domestic squabbles, Akko remains committed to maintaining a positive outlook. She emphasized her desire to laugh every day, stating, "I want to laugh as much as possible. When my husband says something, I just reply, 'Yes, yes, I understand. Please don't talk anymore; I'm going to bed.'" This light-hearted approach reflects her philosophy of acknowledging and accepting life’s ups and downs as a way to stay mentally balanced.
Looking ahead, Akko is gearing up for the broadcast of Fuji Television's "The Story to Get Drunk On," scheduled for May 16, 2025, at 9:58 PM. She admitted to feeling nervous about the filming, revealing that she had not eaten anything at the venue, opting instead for shochu on the rocks. "I don't remember much of the recording," she confessed, adding that her manager had to remind her to stay hydrated after noticing her flushed face.
After the recording, Akko celebrated with drinks and was pleased to remember the conversations from that evening. She later reached out to fellow comedian Daigo from Chidori, who reassured her that the show would be entertaining. His message, "Don't worry, the show is going to be interesting," brought her comfort, especially when he added, "Take care of yourself," prompting an emotional response from Akko.
In a lighthearted moment during the show, Akko recalled an amusing incident where she accidentally covered her co-host's microphone while trying to share a secret, leading to a humorous rebuke from the sound staff. Moreover, she shared a quirky fact about her ear size, joking that her ear holes are so large that "three fingers in the world could fit in them."
As the weekend approaches, Akko's resilience and humor shine through despite her health struggles. Her ability to connect with her audience through both her challenges and her lighter moments exemplifies why she remains a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment. Fans are eagerly awaiting her upcoming broadcast, hoping to witness her unique blend of sincerity and humor once again.
