On December 20, actor Kiyoshi Hayama, known for his impactful presence and lengthy career, made a surprise appearance on TBS’s special program featuring the nine-member idol group Snow Man. This unexpected guest spot brought together generations of the Japanese entertainment industry, setting the stage for engaging discussions and lighthearted exchanges.
Hayama drove the crew to the iconic Tokyo DisneySea, where the Snow Man members expressed their excitement freely, voicing questions and sharing candid moments without the usual constraints of scripted television. This unique setup, where the prominent actor handled the vehicle himself, allowed for an authentic and spontaneous atmosphere. The members took advantage of this rare opportunity, quizzing Hayama on his extensive career.
During the show, Tatsumi Fukazawa, one of the members, openly asked Hayama, "Have you ever thought about quitting your career?" Hayama's candid acknowledgment—"Absolutely, there have been moments!"—delved deep, reflecting on his life since entering the industry at the tender age of 16. He shared his early perceptions of fame, noting, "I didn't think anything was amazing back then. I was drawn more to those who truly sang beautifully rather than the ones getting screams from the crowds. I struggled with my identity as an idol. It was really about what I valued personally."
A pivotal moment for Hayama came from his experience at 17, when he participated in stage productions directed by the famed Yukio Ninagawa. Emphasizing the impact this had on his career, Hayama stated, "It was during those performances I truly realized what I was doing was extraordinary. I began to take it seriously for the first time." Despite the challenges, his advice to the younger actors like Snow Man's Raoul was thoughtful: "Feeling like leaving once or twice isn’t so bad; it actually shows your awareness and commitment.”
Raoul continued the discussion, challenging Hayama with, "If I were you, wouldn’t the thought of leaving be more tempting?" To which Hayama replied, reflecting on his own choices, "Considering my self-interest, maybe I should’ve left, but this job isn't just about me. It’s about the support from the fans, which makes everything worthwhile. Their sustained interest and memories are tied to the relationships we've formed along the way, beyond just the work."
This sentiment underscored the group dynamics, highlighting how Hayama's presence serves as both inspiration and grounding for the younger generation within the firm. The admiration was mutual, as member Ren Meguro, also present during Hayama's reflection, couldn't help but state, "Having you around gives us all significant meaning. You motivate us, and we’d love to see more of you."
Through this appearance, TBS has been able to bridge the old and new, bringing forth discussions of not just industry challenges but personal growth and the influence of senior figures like Hayama on the current crop of entertainers. His genuine reflections were received well by fans and critics alike, who praised the actor for remaining grounded and relatable, even as he has excelled for decades.
The program also allowed fun moments, such as the playful banter where members of Snow Man discussed personal gifts received from the actor. Moments like these showcased Hayama as not just the seasoned professional but also as someone able to connect personally with the members, fostering friendly competition between them. For example, Mukai Koji, another member, highlighted proudly, "I received jeans from Kimura-san just last week!" sparking laughter and friendly rivalry among the group.
This blend of humor, wisdom, and heartfelt exchanges made the program ripple with authenticity, allowing younger viewers to appreciate the insights from one of Japan’s beloved actors, Kiyoshi Hayama. The unexpected delight of seeing this icon mingle with the high-energy group emphasized not only the enduring relevance of Hayama’s contributions but also the ever-evolving nature of Japanese entertainment as it moves forward with new talent.
Overall, the special showcased how the industry can facilitate meaningful dialogue across different generations and draw fans together for communal appreciation of both seasoned actors and rising stars.
