Nobuhiro Kasai, the free announcer, expressed his heartfelt condolences following the passing of economic analyst Takuro Morinaga, who succumbed to cancer on January 28, 2025, at the age of 67. Morinaga had publicly announced his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis at the end of 2023, which was later identified as unknown primary cancer. Despite his health struggles, he continued to work remotely, even participating in his last radio appearance just the day before his passing.
Throughout his illness, Morinaga remained dedicated to his profession, demonstrating resilience and commitment. On January 27, he aired on the radio program "Otake Makoto Golden Radio!" remotely, but unfortunately, he was unable to make it for the scheduled segment on January 28. It was on this day, tragically, he passed away.
Morinaga's diagnosis came as a shock, and during his treatment, he was told by doctors, "You probably won't see the cherry blossoms next year." To everyone's surprise, he managed to enjoy the blossoms for one last season, proving his will to live and engage with the world around him.
Kasai, who had previously shared his own experiences of dealing with cancer, held deep respect for Morinaga. He reflected on their interactions, particularly recalling how he gifted Morinaga his book, "Gan ga Tsunagu Tashizan no En" (The Bonds of Cancer), just three months before Morinaga's cancer diagnosis. This book outlined Kasai's personal experiences with malignant lymphoma and offered advice on treatment—insightful guidance for someone like Morinaga embarking on his own cancer battle.
Upon reading the book, Morinaga was moved, and Kasai noted the numerous sticky notes within the pages, signifying the parts he found particularly relevant or helpful. Kasai shared, "I was particularly surprised by the number of sticky notes on the book when Morinaga read it," showcasing the impact of his written experience. This quantifiable engagement allowed Kasai to see the effects his words had on someone facing similar challenges.
The camaraderie shared between both men as cancer survivors carried significant meaning. Kasai was clearly shaken by the news of Morinaga's death and emphasized the importance of sharing such experiences, stating, "I want to live my life so I can continue to share information like Morinaga did," underlining the power of storytelling and shared struggles.
The day after Morinaga's passing, Kasai recalled on air the moments leading up to Morinaga’s absence from the scheduled radio appearance. During the program, listeners heard Morinaga's voice and his collaborative spirit through pre-recorded segments. Kasai commented on the surreal experience of hearing Morinaga's voice, saying, "I was surprised, as I cannot recall another time when the voice of someone who passed away aired just the day after their death. Listening to him made me think about our own journeys as cancer survivors and how we want to leave our marks before it's too late."
Morinaga’s struggle with illness and his determination to work until the end left a lasting impression on his colleagues and the audiences he served. The way he handled his illness openly, alongside continuing to support those around him, is what many will cherish and celebrate. His passing is not just the loss of a gifted analyst but also the loss of someone who inspired many through his bravery and commitment to life.
Not only was Morinaga known for his insightful economic analysis but also for his character as someone filled with compassion and tenacity. He leaves behind not only his professional legacy but also valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of supporting one another, particularly when facing the darkness of illness.
Their unique bond through their experiences with cancer stands as evidence of how shared hardships can forge meaningful relationships. Both men embraced their roles as communicators, ensuring their narratives contributed to the collective knowledge of living with cancer, encouraging others to share their own stories.
The community surrounding Morinaga, including friends and colleagues like Kasai, will undoubtedly honor his memory and the notable impact he had throughout his career, forever remembering the voice and insight he shared with the world.