Remembering Actor Toshiyuki Nishida and His Warmth at Gatherings

In just three years, he became a nationally beloved actor.

It was reported on October 17 that actor Toshiyuki Nishida has passed away. The cause of death is believed to be illness. He was 76 years old.

On October 8, he had just attended a completion press conference for the movie “Doctor X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon” (scheduled for release on December 6), where he appeared in good spirits. During the press conference, Nishida.

“Michiko Daimon (Ryoko Yonekura, 49) has such incredible surgical skills that I have acted out of jealousy. I hope to continue working together… or rather, there won’t be any more.”

He playfully revealed that this installment would conclude the series, making the audience laugh, but this turned out to be his final appearance in public. Both entertainment industry insiders and drama fans naturally expected to continue seeing his performances, leading to an outpouring of surprise and sadness.

“Nishida made his debut in 1970 with the ‘Seinenza Theater Company,’ but he experienced a long period of hardship. However, his acting career took a significant turn in 1978 when he was cast as Zhu Bajie in ‘Journey to the West’ (Nippon Television). Zhu Bajie, a pig demon, became a beloved character with his comedic performances, often incorporating ad-libs. In 1980, he starred in ‘Ikenaka Genta 80 Kilo’ (Nippon Television), which became a massive hit and was turned into a series. In 1981, he played Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the NHK Taiga drama ‘Onna TaikoKi,’ rising to the status of a national actor in just three years.”

“He actively pursued a singing career as well, and the theme song ‘Moshimo Piano ga Hiketa nara’ from the second series of ‘Ikenaka Genta’ reached a peak of fourth place on the ‘Oricon Weekly Singles Ranking.’ It won the Gold Prize at the 23rd Japan Record Awards and marked his first appearance at the 32nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen” (TV magazine writer).

Without resting on his laurels as an established actor, he also ventured into variety shows. Starting in 2001, he became the second director of ‘Detective! Night Scoop’ (Asahi Broadcasting Television), appearing regularly for nearly 19 years until 2019.

“I’m sorry for staying too long, old man~”

Nishida was always extremely busy, but an issue of FRIDAY (August 14, 2015) reported a rare moment when he was seen joyfully sharing drinks with fellow actors. In mid-July 2015, in the evening, he spent time with actor friends at an open café in Daikanyama (Shibuya Ward). His companions were Yasunori Danta (67), Ken Mitsuishi (63), and Kosuke Suzuki (49).

“Nishida, Mitsuishi, and Suzuki were co-starring in the April 2015 drama ‘I’m Home’ (TV Asahi). He worked with Danda in the movie ‘Galaxy Street,’ which was released in the fall of the same year. It seemed to be a completely private drinking party with this close-knit group centered around Nishida” (entertainment agency insider).

When he made eye contact with passing pedestrians, he smiled and said, “Hello~,” and to a waiter bringing water, he bowed and said,

“Thank you~. I’m sorry for staying so long in such a stylish place, old man.”

The cheerful gathering continued well into the evening, filled with smiles.

“In recent years, Nishida always carried a cane while moving around, and recently, he had become weak enough to use a wheelchair. However, he never reduced the number of his work commitments” (private broadcasting drama production insider).

His last appearance in a television drama was on September 21 in “The City I Saw at the End” (TV Asahi). In cinema, his final work will be “Doctor X: The Movie FINAL,” which is set to be released on December 6.

It’s incredibly disappointing to think that we won’t see his carefree demeanor anymore. I pray for his soul’s peace.