Stars Who Have Departed for Heaven Part 5: Toru Watanabe

I have been working as a broadcast writer for nearly 20 years. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with many prominent figures. Unfortunately, some of them have since departed for heaven. Looking back now, I recall that the time I was able to spend with them while they were alive was a truly precious opportunity.

Stars who have entertained and influenced so many people leave a unique impression on you when you actually meet them. There is something about them that sparkles differently.

Therefore, as the second installment of the previously delivered "Stars Who Have Departed for Heaven," I will be writing about the memories of "stars in heaven" who left a wonderful impression on me, in four parts starting from this one.

Toru Watanabe, an actor who was a professional among professionals

Are there any celebrities or prominent figures for you, too, who you "still can't believe have passed away" or who you "feel like might just wander in again at any moment"?

For me, that person is Toru Watanabe.

I first met him when he came as a guest on a radio show. He walked in with a bright smile and gave a textbook, pleasant greeting of "Good morning!" I still remember well how he captured my heart in an instant.

After that, in addition to coming as a guest frequently, he also served as a pinch hitter when the personality was away.

On those occasions, he would approach the pre-broadcast meeting with an even more serious gaze than when he came as a guest, asking questions about any points he had doubts about until he was satisfied. And even after the live broadcast started, he would reconfirm the next steps during commercial breaks. I was impressed by his serious attitude of never cutting corners, even though he didn't need to worry about the progression that much since there was an assistant announcer present.

He was a professional among professionals.

As you gain experience, you naturally learn to gauge how much is "good enough," but despite being such a veteran, Toru-san worked as carefully as a newcomer. Being able to see that up close was a learning experience, and above all, it made me straighten my posture.

And then, November 2022.
The news of his passing arrived while I was in a meeting before the start of the program that Toru-san had visited many times.

Every staff member there was speechless. I myself was in the middle of a meeting with that day's guest, but after hearing the news of his passing, I don't really remember how we conducted the rest of the meeting. That is how much of a shock it was to me as well.

Toru-san, I will never forget your kind smile and fun conversation.
Thank you so much for speaking to a young person like me in such a polite and friendly manner.
I am proud that I was able to work with you.

Come to think of it, after Toru-san passed away, his son Yuta-san came to visit us. He has firmly inherited Toru-san's DNA, and he was a very humble person with a wonderful smile.

Next time, I will look back on another star who is in heaven. Please join me.

(To be continued)