On March 10, 2025, 75-year-old actor Tetsuya Takeda shared heartfelt memories of his late friend, actor Toshiyuki Nishida, during his guest appearance on TV Asahi's popular show, 'Tetsuko's Room.' Nishida, who passed away suddenly last October at the age of 76, was not only Takeda's colleague but also his close friend, with their bond dating back to 1976 when they co-starred on the comedy show 'Migorota! Taberota! Waraitai!'.
During the episode, Takeda fondly recalled their friendship, emphasizing their playful nicknames for each other—"Tetsu-yan" and "Nishi-yan"—which reflected their deep camaraderie. Their family ties were also intertwined, as both shared similar family structures, with Takeda mentioning, "We both have two daughters," underscoring the connection they had not only as colleagues but as families.
Reflecting on the joy they found together, Takeda narrated one particularly amusing anecdote involving his first experience with cheese fondue. The introduction to this dish came courtesy of Nishida and his family, who enjoyed teaching Takeda and his family how to eat it: "We are simple country folk, so cheese was something we had never had before. Nishida was excitedly showing us how to eat cheese fondue, making us laugh as he explained, 'You stab the bread with this fork!'"
This light-hearted memory stood out among Takeda's reflections as he described Nishida as someone whose presence was synonymous with laughter and positive energy. "Whenever I was with him, I couldn’t help but smile. He always had the ability to turn any situation joyful," he stated, highlighting Nishida's impactful personality.
Takeda also touched upon their shared adventures, such as the frequent meals together—a habit they maintained throughout their friendship. Notably, during the success of the drama '3rd Year B Class Kinpachi-sensei,' Takeda had tried to treat Nishida, who, reciprocally said over the phone, "I’m becoming popular too, you know," showcasing their mutual success and the spirit of support they nurtured.
Another poignant part of the conversation focused on drinking etiquette, which Nishida had imparted to Takeda. “He taught me the importance of including my wife when going out for drinks. Nishida would always take his wife along, encouraging me with, 'You must take your wife too so she knows where you are.' This was his way of ensuring our partners felt secure. I learned so much from him about these courtesies and manners over drinks,” Takeda recounted.
The segment on 'Tetsuko's Room' was particularly poignant, reflecting on how the passing of Nishida has left an indelible mark on not just Takeda’s life but also the hearts of those who admired their friendship. Nishida’s influence extended beyond mere entertainment; he played the role of mentor, close companion, and family ally, sharing life lessons and memorable moments.
Now, ten years after embarking on his Aikido training—which he began at age 65-Takeda continues to practice with high school students, feeling invigorated yet challenged by the energy of youth. "They bounce right back after being thrown, which can be quite the workout," he joked, illustrating the physical demands of training at his age alongside much younger students.
Takeda reflects on how Aikido changed his engagement with his wife, appreciating the discipline and focus the martial art has instilled within him. He noted, “I’ve learned to admire my wife’s roles and responsibilities. Women really have their unique strengths, and cultivating respect has been one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing Aikido.” This sentiment resonates with Takeda’s broader philosophy of valuing relationships, which was undoubtedly influenced by the lessons he learned from Nishida.
His appearance on 'Tetsuko's Room' not only served as tribute to Nishida but also acted as a reminder of the relatability and warmth these individuals bring to their audiences. Takeda's reminiscences provide insights not just about professionalism but the layers of personal connections forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.
Overall, Tetsuya Takeda's emotional recounting of his friendship with Toshiyuki Nishida celebrated the richness of lasting bonds formed over decades. It serves as an uplifting reminder of how friendship, shared experiences, and familial connections endure across time, and how they impact one's life, even as we face loss.