On December 21, 2024, Japanese actor and comedian Toshiro Kakei, 62, appeared on the Nippon Television program Mishi Dora, hosted by Kenchiku Daiki and actor Man Shinosuke, where he candidly shared reflections on his life choices, with special attention to his martial arts background.
Kakei, known for his energetic presence on screen, tackled the pressing question posed by the show’s hosts: what he felt should be done before reaching the age of 60. "If I had something I wish I had done, I think it would be continuing martial arts," Kakei admitted, paving the way for his nostalgic recollection of his sporting past.
During his university years, Kakei was an active member of the Shaolin Temple Karate Club and held the rank of third dan. "I have held the third dan (third level) rank," he said proudly. Yet this achievable accomplishment came with regret, as he pondered, "If I had continued after graduating, I would probably be around sixth or seventh dan now." This statement elicited intrigue from his fellow cast members. Man Shinosuke responded with astonishment, "Really!?" as the audience absorbed the unembellished weight of Kakei’s reflective words.
Continuing his narrative, Kakei recalls picking up Nihon Kenpo at the age of 33, only to find themselves on shaky ground with his acting career. "It really swelled my face. Since I was getting punched with gloves, I thought it couldn't coexist with my acting career, so I quit," he explained. This evocative imagery painted the struggle Kakei faced, trying to balance his physical pursuits with his burgeoning acting career. He lamented, "That alone has left me with some regrets," echoing sentiments familiar to anyone who has ever sacrificed hobbies for their professional paths.
The discussion synthesized moments of serious reflection accompanied by light-hearted banter, encapsulating the essence of Mishi Dora - where food and fun are at the forefront, but life lessons lurk just beneath the surface. Kakei’s insights resonate not only with the show's cast but also with the audience, reminding them of the importance of chasing after personal aspirations.
While reflecting on his future, Kakei offered what could be considered pearls of wisdom for viewers contemplating their paths: never let opportunities for growth slip by. Such exchanges showed the shifting nature of the entertainment industry, with Kakei expressing admiration for the current generation of comedians, as well as addressing the evolution of the art form itself. He revealed his childhood influences, saying, "I grew up watching Yoshimoto New Comedy," referencing notable comedians like Kanpei Hazama, showcasing his deep-seated roots within the comedy world.
Yet, Kakei pointed out, "The style of comedy today is quite different from back then; it used to be all about trios doing skits, now it’s broader with many different forms of entertainment getting mixed. Young comedians today have to do it all!" His reflections spark conversations about the shifting paradigms within the field—where the roles of entertainers have expanded dramatically.
Kakei’s perspectives bridge generations, as he emphasizes the growth one can experience if one chooses to pursue their passions relentlessly. Despite his regrets, there lies within his narrative not just the tender weight of missed opportunities, but also the vibrancy of lifelong learning and reinvention.
Overall, Kakei's appearance on Mishi Dora served as both amusing and introspective. His trademark style captured the audience's attention, as viewers reflected on their own choices, all under the guise of entertaining culinary adventures.
