Monta Mino, the veteran host beloved for popular Japanese variety shows like "The Great Escape from Poverty" (Ai no Bimbō Dasshutsu Daisakusen), "Let's Go to School!" (Gakkō e Ikō!), and "Secret Kenmin SHOW" (Himitsu no Kenmin SHOW), has passed away early this morning, as reported by multiple Japanese media outlets. Mino was reportedly hospitalized in January after choking on a beef tongue at a yakiniku restaurant. His health had been in decline since then, and he ultimately succumbed to his illness at the age of 80.
Throughout his career, Monta Mino was widely admired for his steady hosting style and diverse entertainment ventures. He began his career in 1967 as an announcer at Nippon Cultural Broadcasting, where he established a strong foundation in radio. As his career progressed, Mino transitioned into a freelance host, remaining active across various media platforms. In 2006, he set a Guinness World Record for "most live television shows hosted in a week," becoming one of the most influential hosts of his time.
Mino's health had, in fact, been a concern for several years. Five years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which led him to gradually reduce his public appearances and workload. The news of his passing this year has brought immense sadness to his many fans and colleagues.