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!”

A long-awaited reunion of the duo.

How will this prime-time comeback impact Shingo Katori’s future? Key network producers have a positive outlook..

“It is well-known that Katori has a connection with Kin-chan through the ‘All Japan Costume Grand Prix,’ which made a comeback in February after three years. Interestingly, the 100th anniversary of this program is scheduled to air next year on the same NTV network as ’24-Hour TV.’ In August, Katori appeared in the ‘Really Scary Stories 25th Anniversary Special’ on Fuji TV, and he previously co-starred with Ito in the 2006 Fuji TV series ‘Saiyuki,’ where Katori played Goku and Ito played Hakkai. Viewers positively received this ‘long-awaited duo reunion.’

Various connections seem to be supporting his comeback. In fact, ‘NEWS Post Seven’ reported that ‘Katori is set to star in a Fuji TV drama starting in January.’ Sponsors likely view the buzz from his appearance in ’24-Hour TV’ as a positive, which will undoubtedly work in his favor.”

Additionally, another person closely linked to Katori participated in the drama: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (50), who starred in the prime-time series “Wana no Sensou” last year, provided the narration.

Amidst the storm of criticism surrounding 24-Hour TV, Katori is setting sail toward a return to prime-time dramas on a key network.