Mikio Date Faces an Inevitable Extended Break After Stroke, With Years of Overwork Under Scrutiny

More than 10 regular programs

It has been learned that Mikio Date (51) of the popular comedy duo “Sandwichman” has suffered a cerebral infarction and will be taking a break from his activities for the time being.

His agency explained his condition on its official website:

“Fortunately, thanks in part to the prompt response from medical professionals, the situation did not become serious, and he is currently receiving inpatient treatment. As a result, he will be taking a break from his activities for the time being to focus on his treatment.”

Date is a highly sought-after entertainer with more than 10 regular television and radio programs, including TBS’s “Banana Sand” and TV Asahi’s “Kaette Monday Mikketai!!.” His sudden hiatus has thrown television stations into a frenzy, but for the time being, it is expected that previously recorded episodes will continue to air, after which his partner, Takeshi Tomizawa (52), is expected to carry on working on his own.

Tomizawa explained Date’s current condition on his blog on August 28:

“I think some people may be shocked when they hear the name of the illness, but because it was detected early, both his head and body are doing well. He walks around inside the hospital, asks for larger portions when he feels he isn’t getting enough food, and we exchange emails frequently.”

Even so, when multiple pieces of information are considered together, it appears difficult to avoid a long-term absence for Date.

The “Sandwichman Live Tour 2026,” which had been scheduled to take place from October through December, was canceled at an early stage. An entertainment industry insider familiar with the situation told this publication:

“The live tour is a lifelong passion for Sandwichman, and no matter how busy they have been with television appearances, they have held it every year without fail. In their hometown of Sendai, the two have also worked extensively on disaster recovery, and the shows are packed every year. For them to cancel the tour means that something must have happened that is quite serious.”

Even when he was busy, he made time for younger comedians

Date had previously spoken self-deprecatingly about his health. On a medical program that aired in 2017, he was told:

“It wouldn’t be surprising if you died at any time.”

Then, in 2021, he underwent endoscopic surgery for stage 1 bladder cancer.

On “Sandwichman no Radio Yarasero” (FM Izumi) in March this year, he revealed that he had been getting nosebleeds every morning, and said that even his wife had expressed concern, asking:

“Don’t you look pale?”

“Did you get a tan?”

At times, he also said that he was unable to focus his eyes and that things look like they’re overlapping.

His partner, Tomizawa, repeatedly urged him to get examined at a hospital, but Date was a self-confessed workaholic. In particular, he apparently found it difficult to turn down requests from fellow comedians.

“In a word, I think he was a workaholic. He loves comedy and, in a sense, doesn’t feel at ease unless he is constantly involved in it. Even when his schedule was packed, if a younger comedian asked him for something, he would somehow make time for them. Those around him often thought, ‘Why doesn’t he just take a break?’” said the aforementioned entertainment industry insider.

On August 29, during Nippon Broadcasting System’s “Sandwichman The Radio Show Saturday,” Tomizawa read out a message from Date:

“I’m truly sorry for causing so much trouble for so many people. This time, I’ve received encouraging emails from so many senior colleagues as well. From Koji Kikkawa, Kyoka Suzuki, and Sho Aikawa on the senior side, to TKO, Unjash, and Kazushige Nagashima on the junior side.”

He even threw in a little joke, reassuring his fans.

“At least for the rest of this year, a return to work is likely to be difficult. His head and body are doing well, but he will need rehabilitation before he is able to perform manzai on stage at the required level. For now, I hope he can simply focus on taking his time and recovering,” said an entertainment reporter for a sports newspaper.

Date’s messages are also expected to continue being read regularly on Tomizawa’s radio programs. Perhaps this is also Tomizawa’s way of showing consideration for Date’s desire to remain involved in comedy even while he is in the hospital.

Fans will eagerly await the day when they can once again see “Sandwichman” perform manzai――.