“I’ll Definitely Be Back”: The Message Mikio Date of Sandwich Man Sent to His Younger Comedians—and His One Concern

Reaching out to fellow comedians before the news was reported

Mikio Date, 52, of the comedy duo “Sandwichman,” who is recovering from a cerebral infarction, is showing steady signs of recovery.

Omiokuri Geinin Shinichi, 41, a junior colleague at the same agency, Grape Company, reported on X that he had visited Date, who turned 52 on September 5. He posted a photo of Date holding a cake and smiling broadly, writing:

“I got to see Date-san!”

“I gave him a birthday cake, but I told him, ‘Please don’t eat it.’”

R-1 champion Junichi Davidson, 51, also posted a two-shot photo with Date on social media.

“This guy was doing great, lol!”

he wrote, expressing his relief.

Date announced his hiatus in late August due to a cerebral infarction. According to his partner Takeshi Tomizawa, 52, when the two had gathered for work several days earlier, Date told him,

“I don’t know, I can’t seem to talk.”

Tomizawa recommended that he get examined at a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a cerebral infarction. Due to Date’s hospitalization and treatment, the “Sandwichman Live Tour 2026,” which had been scheduled to visit eight cities nationwide from October through December, was canceled.

A sports newspaper entertainment reporter says:

“His hiatus was announced on the 28th of last month, but apparently Date had already sent emails to comedians at the same agency beforehand. Along with informing them of his diagnosis, the message reportedly said something along the lines of, ‘I’ll definitely come back.’”

Within Grape Company, Sandwichman occupy the top position. Below them are comedians such as Nagano, 52, Omiokuri Geinin Shinichi, Kaminari, and Tokyo Hoteison. Although they sometimes trade jabs with one another on television, they have united in support of their boss during his absence. The reporter mentioned above reveals:

“The comedians who received emails from Date apparently decided, ‘There’s no point in getting all gloomy about this, so let’s act cheerful and carry on as usual.’ Shinichi in particular is said to have resolved to work like a horse in place of the boss, unlike his usual loser persona. People around him have been teasing him by saying, ‘You’re just doing it for your own gain,’ though. (Laughs)”

Date’s partner Tomizawa has also been putting on a brave face. On Nippon Broadcasting System’s “Sandwichman The Radio Show Saturday,” which aired on September 12, he read out a message from Date:

“This is Mikio Date, who has turned 52. By the way, is everyone doing their rehab? I’ve been working hard on my rehabilitation every day. Thanks to everyone, I think I’m doing relatively well. I think I’ll gradually start with some catch.”

Tomizawa responded with a quip:

“He’s joking around right from the first line.”

The duo reportedly intends to stick to business as usual as much as possible so that Date will have an easier time returning.

Taking walks as part of his rehabilitation

Recent photos make him look slightly thinner, but that is only natural given that a man who normally eats a lot is now on a restricted diet. He has also been taking walks as part of his rehabilitation, and there do not appear to be any problems with his motor functions. If there is one area of concern, it would likely be his speech.

A person in the comedy industry with close ties to Grape Company revealed the following to “FRIDAY Digital:”

“He is recovering, but apparently some of his speech is still unclear at times. A cerebral infarction can result in aphasia as a lasting effect, which can cause someone to have difficulty understanding things quickly or to be unable to instantly put their thoughts into words.

Sandwichman’s comedy routine has Tomizawa playing the fool while Date plays the straight man. Date often speaks rapidly and forcefully, and sometimes responds with ad-libs. There have been reports urging him to return, but I think he should take his time and focus on his recovery without rushing.”

Tomizawa also spoke about Date on the aforementioned radio program:

“He’s doing well, he really is, and he’s joking around as usual. But I think it’ll take a little longer.”

He is reportedly expected to remain on hiatus through the end of the year.

Messages of support have been pouring in for Date from people across agency lines. Akiko Wada, 76, Masashi Sada, 74, Ikue Sakakibara, 67, Koji Kikkawa, 61, Kyoka Suzuki, 58, and Sho Aikawa, 65, among others, have sent messages wishing him well. It is also said that Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 93, and Mariya Takeuchi, 71, sent him handwritten letters.

Date is a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Hopefully, everyone will patiently await his return.