Six years after his ALS diagnosis, voice actor Norio Tsukui has opened up about his condition, providing a touching update on his health and how he copes with the debilitating effects of the disease.
During his experience with ALS, Tsukui, known for voicing characters like Nyan-chu, expressed his struggles with mobility, stating, "Currently, I can hardly move from the neck down." He candidly mentioned, "Unfortunately, there seems to be no progress," which highlights the brutal reality of his situation as he faces this progressive disease.
Since the onset of the illness, Tsukui’s determination and resilience have been characterized through various public interactions. Fans and supporters have admired his courage, referring to him as an inspiration even amid personal trials. Social media platforms buzz with discussions about his significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly within the anime community where he has left his mark through numerous acclaimed roles.
A touching reflection on Tsukui's six years living with ALS reveals not only the challenges but also the moments of reaching out to his followers for support. Many have responded with heartfelt messages, reminding him of the impact he has had throughout his remarkable career.
Meanwhile, the Japanese entertainment scene is also undergoing changes, particularly with the popular idol group timelesz. The group plans to initiate activities with a new eight-member formation following auditions, showcasing ambitious plans as they gear up for tours starting June 2025. Their metamorphosis follows the mounting excitement around auditions streamed via Netflix, which have captivated the audience.
Among the new members are Genki Hara and Hokuto Matsumura, both of whom were already active under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. Hara, who recently participated in the TBS program "Sore Snow Man ni Yarasetekudasai," showcased his talent by delivering impressive dance performances, adding to the group's lively image. Among his entertaining antics was his playful involvement on another show where he fell hilariously after everyone else had been pranked.
Matsumura's role as Kokoro Sakurazutsumi, portraying the trustworthy ally of Snow Man’s character, has solidified his stature, displaying his exceptional acting skills. His upcoming feature film, "#We'll Talk About the Truth," alongside fellow timelesz member Kazuma Kikuchi and vocalist Mototaka Omori, generated anticipation for its release on April 25, 2025.
The group has witnessed rapid growth on social media, largely propelled by the characters of both Hara and Matsumura, as they continue to engage authentically through their platforms. Matsumura's increasing presence within the musical sphere has also captured the audience’s attention, with notable performances evident from his role as Kirk in the musical "Hero," which was recently performed at the Theater Crea. He is also set to partake in the upcoming production of "Dance of the Vampire."
During this tumultuous transition, the dynamic duo of Hara and Matsumura displays confidence and potential, much to their fans' delight. Expectations run high as they expand their careers beyond idol entertainment and embrace the transformative experience of being part of timelesz.
A lighthearted incident captured during recent filming for the Dokkiri GP project revealed Matsumura's absence due to scheduling conflicts, causing his face to be digitally superimposed onto the group photo, evoking humorous comparisons to missing persons from graduation pictures. This moment encapsulated both the energy and camaraderie surrounding the unit's work, as well as the challenges they face, sparking joy among their cheering fans.
Fans are already expressing their eagerness to see how these two new additions will influence the group's chemistry and overall performance, settling concerns about shifting dynamics. They are considered seasoned performers with experiences shaping their vast skill sets.
The impact of Tsukui's battle with ALS and the exciting fresh start of timelesz collectively reveal the diverse spectrum of human experience ranging from struggle to aspiration and growth. Supporters and music enthusiasts alike remain hopeful not only for Tsukui's continuing resilience but also for the potential the newly reformed timelesz holds.
