Shingo Katori Cast as Kin-chan’s Manager in Prime-Time Drama Sparks Industry Reactions
Hiroyuki Nishimura, a prominent entrepreneur, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “If ’24-Hour TV’ is going to cover people with disabilities, they might as well broadcast the Paralympics.” Meanwhile, Yasuko’s 24-hour marathon, which was conducted despite the approaching Typhoon No. 10, also drew attention. The highest viewership rating was recorded at 25.4% at 8:45 p.m. on the night of Yasuko’s finish.
According to the official NTV website, the total amount raised for the “Marathon Child Welfare Facility Fund” was 438,014,800 yen. The funds will be delivered to 610 child welfare facilities nationwide between the end of this year and April next year, based on a survey of the “necessary items” needed by these facilities.
“I’m so glad we were able to talk.”
Another person who garnered attention in a different way from Yasuko was former SMAP member and actor Shingo Katori (47). Katori appeared in the special drama “Kin-chan’s Sumi-chan: The Woman Who Loved Kinichi Hagimoto” during “24-Hour TV 47,” playing the role of Hagimoto’s manager, while Atsushi Ito (40) played Hagimoto Kinichi.
This was his first appearance on “24-Hour TV” in 14 years. Additionally, it was his first time appearing in a prime-time drama on a key network (from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) since 2016, prompting cheers online with comments like, “What kind of forces are at play here?”
After the broadcast, Katori updated his Instagram, posting a photo with Ito, who played Hagimoto. He wrote, “I’m so glad we were able to talk in between scenes. I’m Shingo Katori, playing Kin-chan’s manager!”
