On March 17, 2025, the life of Tomoaki Ogura, the beloved freelance announcer who passed away from liposarcoma last year, was honored at Blue Note Tokyo, located in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The farewell ceremony was attended by approximately 700 family members, friends, and colleagues, all sharing their memories and tributes to the influential figure.
The venue was particularly sentimental for Ogura, as it was one of his favorite places. The altar featured items inspired by his passion for fashion, particularly denim, along with memorabilia reflecting his dedication to sports, such as the Seibu Lions baseball team and various golf paraphernalia. A moving touch was the music from his past band, 'MEMORY OF FUTURE', where he showcased his talents as both bass guitarist and vocalist.
Among the attendees were notable figures from various fields, including Kazuya Ninomiya from Arashi, who emotionally reflected on Ogura’s role in his life. "He was like a father to me. I want him to smile down from heaven as we continue to do our best," Ninomiya shared. The bond he felt with Ogura spanned over 25 years, beginning when Ninomiya’s group debuted during the live broadcast of 'Tokudane!' from Hawaii.
During the ceremony, famous actor Yasushi Terawaki delivered a heartfelt eulogy, reminiscing about the countless happy moments shared with Ogura. "Ogura was always there to support us; he made us feel comfortable and confident," he noted, capturing the essence of Ogura’s nurturing personality.
Television producer Dave Spector also honored Ogura, saying, "We all loved and admired him; he was both kind and passionate." His words reflected not only Ogura's impact as a broadcaster but also as someone who truly cared for those around him.
Actress Megumi Kikukawa, another prominent attendee, spoke through tears, conveying her feelings of loss and admiration for Ogura. She said, "We shared many moments together on 'Tokudane!' for over five years and I came to realize just how deeply he cared for us, always providing support even during tough times for himself." This exchange of support transformed their relationship, highlighting the reciprocal nature of Ogura’s kindness.
Following the emotional eulogies, attendees participated in a moment of silence, collectively reflecting on Ogura’s lasting legacy and the void his passing has created. Many commented on the difficulty of parting with someone as vibrant as Ogura, who had touched countless lives across Japan.
The ceremony also highlighted Ogura’s larger-than-life presence, as noted by several speakers who shared anecdotes about him. Terawaki fondly recalled how they celebrated Ogura’s birthday last year, symbolizing their long-standing friendship. "He had immense energy and dedication; his presence is sorely missed," Terawaki added, reiterative of the thoughts shared by many at the gathering.
The gathering was not only a farewell but also a celebration of Ogura’s lifetime achievements. He was known for being the main voice on Fuji Television's 'Tokudane!' for 22 years, where his candidness and engaging personality won over viewers nationwide. Many attendees expressed how the influence he had extended beyond the screen—into their own lives—illuminated by fond memories and heartfelt stories.
Although the day was filled with sorrow for the loss of Ogura, it also served as a reminder of the joy he brought to both the industry and those who knew him personally. Friends and family expressed their intention to honor his legacy moving forward, vowing to carry on the lessons he imparted about kindness, commitment, and passion.
The gathering concluded with attendees sharing their dreams of remembering Ogura through their work, ensuring his spirit continues to inspire others. "Ogura was always advocating for us and supporting our endeavors. Even now, he continues to challenge us to do our best," Ninomiya asserted, reflecting the collective promise to maintain Ogura’s legacy alive.
From heartfelt memories to laughter, the farewell ceremony for Tomoaki Ogura was not just about saying goodbye. It was about celebrating the life of someone who had significantly impacted many and left behind cherished moments to be treasured by all.
