Koji Kato, who left “Sukkiri”, showed “a smile of complete exhaustion” in response to a direct interview with this magazine.

The information program “Sukkiri” (Nippon Television Network Corporation), in which Koji Kato (53) of the comedy duo “Gokuraku Tombo” served as general host, reached its final episode on March 31. The long-running program, which had continued for 17 years since its start in April 2006, came to an end. Kato said in the program

I have the impression that times have changed a lot. When I started the program with Terry (Ito), I was more lenient or relaxed. I think it’s good that things are getting tougher and tougher, but there may be people who feel suffocated and feel it’s hard to live. I’ve been trying to make ‘Sukkiri’ a place where people can relax a little,” he confessed.

I’ve been trying to make ‘Sukkiri’ a place where people can relax.

Just a week before this, on March 24, comedy duo Audrey’s Toshiaki Kasuga (44) caused a “penguin pond fall” incident, and Kato apologized on the program on March 27. However, he was criticized by viewers who felt that his “apology” was an “excuse” because he explained in detail the details of the meeting between the staff and the zoo and the circumstances of the incident, and because he did not bow deeply, This led to further flames.

In the early morning of the 31st, “FRIDAY” directly interviewed Kato as he left his home for his final appearance. Kato appeared with her hair in the same bed-habit as usual. He had a grim expression on his face, but said, “Good morning. Are there any activities in Gokuraku Tombo?” I asked,

He replied, “Not at the moment.

He replied, “Not at the moment. The following is a question-and-answer session.

-Did your family say anything to you today?

They told me to go home as usual.

-What would you like to say to Ryota Yamasato, 45, of the comedy duo Nankai Candies, who will be in charge of “DayDay.

I hope he does well. （I really do.

-Do you have any plans to start a YouTube channel?

No, not at all at the moment.

-Do you ever appear on your partner’s (Keiichi Yamamoto, 55) YouTube channel, “Keichon Channel”?

No, not at the moment (laughs).

When Kato received a bouquet of flowers from a reporter for this magazine, he said, “Thank you very much,” with a clear and bright smile. What will the rampaging comedian, who was even called a “mad dog” before he became the general host of “Sukkiri,” do next?