Remembering Yukio Hashi: Yume Group Chief Celebrates His Professional Spirit
Tombstone Epitaph 2025] This year, too, a national star, a famous actor, and a famous host passed away. We bring you words of regret along with treasured photos.
Yukio Hashi
Passed away September 4, age 82
Words suddenly spoken from his wheelchair
—Shigehiro Ishida (President, Yume Group)
About three months before he passed, at a Yume Group concert held in Higashiomi City, Shiga, Hashi—who had publicly revealed he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease—did not sing at all during the rehearsal, merely standing. Yet, when it came to the actual performance, perhaps driven by his professional spirit, he sang three songs including Itako-gasa. Though he sometimes forgot the lyrics, the audience warmly supported him, saying “Keep going.”
After the concert, Hashi, seated in his wheelchair, moved about 80 meters through the lobby to greet fans waiting for him. This was even broadcast on a news program. A male MC asked me, accompanying Hashi, “President, can we get a word from Hashi-san?” Hashi showed no reaction after the concert. On a whim, I asked, “Maybe something for the fans?”—and suddenly, he stood from his wheelchair and said:
“Seasoned through countless battles! I will continue to support my fans from now on.”
Even in his final days, how Hashi found the strength to speak such powerful words remains a mystery to me. Yet this moving moment symbolized the professional spirit of Hashi, a great Showa-era star who remained committed to his craft.
From FRIDAY December 19–26, 2025 combined issue