TV personality Mino Monta died on Saturday, Japanese media reported. He was 80.
According to his family and associates, Monta choked on food at a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo on January 16 and was taken to a hospital in a state of cardiac arrest, TV Asahi reported.
He was reportedly unconscious for a time and remained in a critical condition. He never returned home and passed away Saturday morning in the presence of his family.
Monta was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about five years ago and had recently refrained from TV work.
Born in Tokyo, he joined Nippon Cultural Broadcasting in 1967 and worked as a radio announcer. After leaving the company, he continued to work as a freelance announcer, and in 2006 was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "host with the most live TV appearances in a week."
He also appeared on many programs at TBS, including hosting "Dobutsu Kisotengai!" from 1993 to 2009, and the morning information program "Asazuba!" from 2005 to 2013.
His funeral will be a private one with only relatives in attendance. No plans for a farewell party or other event will be held at the request of the family.
© Japan Today
17 Comments
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NOMINATION
RIP Legend! He was also host of Japan's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? I got his autograph about 10 years ago. He was friendly.
I'veSeenFootage
From what I've heard from a few friends working in TV, he kinda liked to put his hands on places he wasn't supposed to (mostly 女子アナ's bodies).
Mocheake
For some reason, maybe his accented English, I always liked the way he said "Final Answer?" on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He gave off a very pleasant vibe on all of his shows. RIP.
Fighto!
Source : Trust me bro.
RIP.
tamanegi
He most certainly was accused of sexual harassment and his wayward son gave him a lot of grief.
In 2013, he was embroiled in a scandal that contributed to a significant shift in his career. During a broadcast of his popular morning news show Mino Monta no Asa Zuba! on TBS, Monta was caught on camera appearing to touch the lower back or hip of a female co-host, who visibly recoiled and slapped his hand away. The incident, widely circulated on platforms like YouTube, sparked public outrage and accusations of sexual harassment.
Blackstar
He gave off a very pleasant vibe on all of his shows. RIP.
Really? That's a comment I definitely can't relate to. I'd say he gave off a very creepy vibe.
Jay
THIS EXACT SITUATION almost happened to a friend of mine a few years back at a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo.
Mid-bite, a chunk of meat lodged itself in his throat. As he grabbed at his neck, eyes wide with panic, the surrounding Japanese staff members responded in the most unhelpful way possible: by gathering around, inhaling air sharply through their teeth, and awkwardly patting his shoulder as if he were a malfunctioning vending machine rather than a man actively dying.
Realizing he was moments away from death, in one desperate last-ditch effort, he stood up, aligned his sternum with the edge of the table and slammed himself onto the surface. The force was fortunately enough to dislodge the meat (and also, as he later discovered, crack his sternum). But at least he was alive, no thanks to the NPC BRIGADE who probably would've just bowed and apologized after his body hit the floor.
RIP to Mino Monta... "final answer."
Jay
Unsurprising from Uber "Liberal/Progressive" Footage to use someone's passing as a convenient excuse to act like a gossipy child and push baseless accusations and take cheap shots.
It's probably way too much to ask from you, but how about trying to show a shred of decency for once.
Blackstar
@Jay
baseless accusations
Do you know what the word "baseless" means? "Monta was caught on camera ..."
Hint: "Caught on camera" and "baseless" don't belong in the same conversation.
Belrick
The lack of empathy here, clearly from liberals, is disgusting. But then, what can you expect from them?
RIP Monta.
hooktrunk2
Evidence?
From years ago:
https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/mino-monta-resigns-from-long-running-news-show-asa-zuba
Also, the butt touching, but it isn’t a very good video. But you can tell something went on:
https://youtu.be/dQYyQWwTlYE?si=LKUX66ec-U_eQhjk
Chico3
He’s a legend. Thank you for the memories.
I'veSeenFootage
I wrote what I wrote. I have friends who work in TV so I hear stuff. Yes, it's hearsay, but then again... Why would I lie about something so inconsequential to my life
You need to calm down.
Chico3
I remembered that show too well. I thought he did a better job than the American version.
Tim Sullivan
A Japanese version of Hughie Green (only Brits over 60 will understand this).
"Mino Monta has that rare ability to be condescending and smarmy but at the same time charming and authoritative. Always tanned and immaculately groomed, he is so beloved and respected by middle-aged Japanese that he could sell them anything. And that is the kind of image he has - a very confident and successful salesman. He is said to be able to command ¥5 million for an hour's work."\
Modern Japan - Famous Japanese - Mino Monta
factchecker
Never heard of him