<figure id="attachment_434454" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 3048px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-434454"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="03e1a00e"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/08/947ea2b4f74c335198d4da0488e54122.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-434454" class="wp-caption-text">On February 4, 2024, Kanjani∞ was renamed SUPER EIGHT (from left: Murakami, Yasuda, Okura, Yokoyama, Maruyama). The members are also actively pursuing solo activities (photo: December 2019).</figcaption></figure>
Yu Yokoyama (44) of SUPER EIGHT will serve as a charity runner for 24-Hour Television 48 (Nippon TV) airing August 30–31. Reflecting on his own childhood experiences of financial hardship, Yokoyama will establish a purpose-specific donation fund called the “Marathon Child Support Fund” for the program. Fans were shocked to hear the news, as Yokoyama has a busy schedule with his solo tour and events.
<h3>Declares “This will be a year of challenges”</h3>
This year, Yokoyama is actively pursuing solo activities. He launched a one-year limited project called ROCK TO YOU, billed as a training journey, established his own solo fan club, and participated in songwriting for all 11 tracks on his first solo album ROCK TO YOU (released June 9, Famichiku Store online exclusive).
In addition, he recently gained attention online for his standout performance as a terrible husband in the Amazon Original drama Married to My Husband, which began streaming on June 27. Starting July 26, he embarked on a nationwide tour covering 11 cities, juggling acting, music activities, and group work.
The tour continues until September 17, but before 24-Hour Television, he has performances in Aomori on August 23 and Miyagi on August 24, followed by three shows in Fukuoka on September 2–3. Furthermore, at his personal request, Yokoyama Yu’s BBQ will be held twice in Hokkaido on September 9.
“This is an unprecedented event for STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, where the fans are gathered for a BBQ. Additionally, on September 20–21 and October 3–5, Yokoyama will hold a joint event Yokoyama Yu × Shibutani Subaru in Hyogo and Tokyo with former member Subaru Shibutani (43), who also contributed to the album. It’s a packed schedule of major activities.
In an interview in the September issue of Oggi (Shogakukan), Yokoyama himself said, ‘Whether it’s the solo project or other things, I decided that this year would be a year of challenges for me.’” (Entertainment writer)
<h3>Fans were also surprised.</h3>
However, even fans probably never imagined that 24-Hour Television’s marathon would be added to Yokoyama’s already packed schedule. Online, reactions included:
“He said this would be a year of challenges, but I never thought it would include something like this.”
“Yokoyama’s year of challenges is far beyond what we imagined—I can’t hide my astonishment.”
“Even though it’s a year of training journeys, he’s taking on so many challenges. I respect him.”
“Yokoyama’s year of challenges keeps surprising us! Amazing. Good luck with the marathon!”
As a result, voices of astonishment continued to pour in.
“Speaking of Yokoyama, he once revealed on a TV program that he maintains his physique by eating just one meal a day. He’s reportedly disciplined with his gym routine, sometimes training for three hours in the morning. Fans familiar with his lifestyle don’t seem overly worried about his stamina for the marathon.
However, given the consecutive days of intense heat, some expressed concern: ‘Heatstroke isn’t something to take lightly. Since Yokoyama is the type to push through once, he decides, I’m even more worried,’ and ‘He’s already so busy running at this time of year. Please don’t overdo it.’” (Same source)
On the day of 24-Hour Television, fans are hoping to see Yokoyama cross the finish line safely and in good spirits.

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 It has been announced that Yutaka Yokoyama of "SUPER EIGHT" will be a charity runner in "24 Hour TV 48". In an interview with a magazine currently on sale, Yokoyama said, "This year will be a year of challenges...

Yū Yokoyama Takes on 24-Hour TV Run, Wows Fans with Nonstop Challenges

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