19th place: Yosuke Kubozuka
Yosuke Kubozuka, known for appearing in dramas such as “GTO,” survived a nearly unbelievable accident in 2004 when he fell from the ninth floor of his Kanagawa apartment building. He reportedly struck a fence about nine meters away before landing on a grassy area, and that impact helped soften the fall. Dropping roughly 29 meters, he suffered severe injuries, including five skull fractures. His recovery took about a year, and after extensive rehabilitation he eventually returned to acting.
At the time, some whispers circulated about why he might have jumped. Because he landed several meters away, a few people speculated that he may have taken a running start, and past comments he had made about living a “free-spirited lifestyle” added fuel to the speculation. Although none of these notions were ever confirmed, his wild, carefree image led some fans to think such theories weren’t impossible. After the accident, Kubozuka underwent several surgeries and spent a period of time using a wheelchair, but he now seems able to live normally without lasting issues. He continues to appear in online dramas, and the 2024 “GTO Revival,” which reunited the original cast, became a major topic of conversation.
18th place: ISSA
ISSA, the leader of the music group DA PANP, suffered a major injury in 2008 when he missed the landing on a somersault during a live rehearsal and sustained a subtrochanteric fracture in his right femur. It was a serious condition expected to take six months to heal, and doctors even warned him that he might never move the same way again. After surgery, he faced a long period before he could even put weight on the leg, but ISSA threw himself into rehabilitation with exceptional determination, saying, “I was committed to getting better.”
The recovery process was extremely difficult, with pain so strong it nearly caused him to lose consciousness. Still, while in the hospital, he managed to keep his spirits up—at one point even doing small tricks with his wheelchair. His progress was so rapid that the metal bolt placed in his leg became impossible to remove and remains there today. It took about a year and a half for him to fully recover, and the lingering effects still influence how he walks. Even so, during the release of “USA,” which marked the 20th anniversary of his debut, he delivered an impressive dance performance that highlighted his dedication. He has explained that he pushes himself because he believes that, no matter what others say, staying true to oneself is important. In an interview, he emphasized the value of having a strong, unshakeable spirit and acting with confidence without being overly concerned about outside opinions.
17th place: Ayaka Yasumoto (Ebisu Junior High School)
Ayaka Yasumoto, a member of the idol group Ebisu Junior High School, was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma in 2020 and stepped away from activities to receive treatment. About five months later, she announced that she was in remission and returned to the entertainment world in 2021. Before the diagnosis, she had sensed something wasn’t right, and when her underarm became swollen during rehearsal, she went in for a check-up. That’s when the illness was discovered, and it had already reached stage 3–4, spreading to her spleen. Her skin became cracked and painful, and she decided to pause her career to focus fully on getting better.
She chose to undergo chemotherapy so she could return to performing as soon as possible. Although the physical side effects were difficult, she said the most challenging part was the change in her appearance. She lost her eyelashes and eyebrows, and at one point wondered, “Is this really me?” After leaving the hospital, she recuperated at home, but the changes in how she looked led her to feel discouraged for a while. What lifted her spirits was remembering former member Rina Matsuno, who had passed away unexpectedly. Motivated by those memories, Yasumoto trained eight hours a day to regain her strength. She returned to the stage in August 2021, not with her signature straight black bangs, but with a bold, very short hairstyle that symbolized a fresh start. That same year, she also released a photo book, saying she wanted to present her most genuine self—short hair and all—and fill the book with everything she truly wanted to express.
16th place: Beat Takeshi
Beat Takeshi, a veteran comedian who helped lead the manzai boom as part of the duo “Two Beat,” was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in 1994. He sustained a depressed skull fracture on the right side of his head, a cerebral contusion, and a compound fracture of his right cheekbone. The accident occurred on the busy Kyojinzaka Street. After spending time with members of the Takeshi Army, he rode off on a moped, failed to make a turn, and fell, reportedly bleeding heavily. The emergency call was made by Morohoshi Kazumi, a former member of the group Hikari Genji.
Takeshi was rushed to Tokyo Medical University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, followed by two and a half months of treatment and care. Even after leaving the hospital, he couldn’t return to work and spent about six months resting at home. The primary cause of the accident was that he wasn’t in proper condition to ride, and although the slope was gentle, he lost control of the moped. At the time, he had been heading out to meet someone. When he finally appeared at a press conference after his release, his face was noticeably swollen and uneven, shocking many viewers. He still had facial paralysis, felt disoriented, and was far from fully recovered. Takeshi dealt with facial paralysis for a long period, but traditional acupuncture played a major role in easing his lingering symptoms. After making a remarkable recovery, he has continued to stay active at the forefront of the entertainment world as both a film director and a television personality.
15th place: Yasu
Yasu, the straight man of the comedy duo “Zun,” was seriously injured in 2012 while skiing during the filming of “Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage Deshita.” He struck his lower back on a tin roof and broke his hip bone. Doctors diagnosed him with a lumbar burst fracture, leaving him completely paralyzed at first and barely able to move. Early on, many feared he would remain paralyzed and might need to use a wheelchair permanently. Fortunately, he eventually recovered without lasting effects.
Even though he was told to avoid strenuous activity and other physical strain, he worked his way back to the point where he could walk on his own and returned to performing later that same year. Today, he still appears on variety programs and even turns his past injury into light-hearted jokes. His accident also drew attention to the high number of injuries that had occurred during Fuji TV variety shows. In 2022, Koichi Minato, then director of the Variety Center, was appointed a director at Fuji Media Holdings. He had taken the firm stance that “if it’s not fun, it’s not TV,” but in 2024 he stepped down from his director role following controversy involving Masahiro Nakai. With these major leadership changes, many expect the approach to producing programs to shift significantly.
14th place: Eiji Takigawa
Eiji Takigawa is a stage actor who became well-known in the 2.5-dimensional theater world. In 2017, while filming for the stage production “Yowamushi Pedal,” he hit a curb and fell from his bicycle, resulting in a spinal injury that left him partially paralyzed. Despite the severity of the accident, he made his return to the entertainment industry in 2019. Early on, he needed a ventilator and couldn’t move his limbs, which came as a tremendous shock to him.
After spending about a year in the hospital, he was discharged in 2018, having recovered enough strength to use his left arm to control a power wheelchair. He admitted that there were moments during rehabilitation when he felt discouraged, but he was inspired by a young girl who was also working hard on her recovery at the same facility. In 2019, he appeared in a Sky Perfect TV drama, marking his return to acting. However, in 2020 he decided to retire from show business, explaining that he had grown “too attached to the role of being an actor.” Since stepping away from the stage, he has continued his creative work as a picture book author and held an exhibition of his illustrations in 2023. In his own way, he continues to shine on a new kind of stage.
13th place: Tatsuo Umemiya
Tatsuo Umemiya, an actor and TV personality and the father of model Anna Umemiya, faced cancer six different times yet continued working well into his later years. In 1974, he was diagnosed with a testicular tumor and told he had only three months to live. The illness had already spread to his lungs, and he underwent chemotherapy. Surprisingly, he didn’t experience the usual hair loss that often accompanies treatment, which left his doctors amazed.
After his condition went into remission, he quit drinking, began waking up early, and developed a strong interest in cooking. He eventually even worked as a chef. Then in 2016, he was diagnosed with duodenal papilla cancer and underwent surgery. Once he recovered, he returned to television. Around 2018, people grew concerned about his significant weight loss, which was largely due to the prostate cancer diagnosed that same year. In 2019, he learned he had ureteral cancer and had one kidney removed, requiring him to undergo dialysis three times a week. Despite it all, Umemiya continued his fight until the end, passing away in 2019 from chronic renal failure. In his later years, he often spent time at a villa overlooking Sagami Bay, reflecting deeply on life and death. Anna says that those moments led her, too, to think profoundly about the meaning of life.
12th place: Chihara Junior
Chihara Junior, a comedian and the younger half of the Chihara Brothers, underwent surgery in 2022 for idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head, during which an artificial joint was implanted. Remarkably, he returned to work just eight days after the procedure, using a cane for support. He first noticed something was wrong around 2021 when he developed persistent hip pain. Although an X-ray showed no issues, the discomfort continued even after ultrasound treatments. An MRI eventually revealed that he had osteonecrosis of the femur.
This condition, classified as a difficult-to-treat illness, caused parts of the bone to deteriorate, and the pain was so intense it woke him every hour, leaving him unable to sleep. Doctors warned that if things continued, he might eventually lose the ability to walk, so he chose to undergo surgery. As of 2025, he is said to be living without pain or lingering complications. Before the operation, he needed to use both arms to lift his legs when getting in and out of a car, but now he can move freely, and thanks to rehabilitation he has even returned to riding a motorcycle. He mentions that he still carries a cane because his sense of balance feels a little different, but for short distances he no longer needs it.
11th place: Hiroshi Fujioka
Hiroshi Fujioka, the actor who portrayed the very first Kamen Rider, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident during filming in 1971, suffering a comminuted fracture of his femur. Despite the severity of the injury, he underwent what was then a rare surgical procedure and was able to return to the series a year later. At the time, Fujioka was juggling various acting jobs, and while shooting Kamen Rider, he lost control while riding downhill and fell. Doctors initially told him he would never work again, but he insisted on being transferred to another hospital, where he received a surgery technique developed after the Vietnam War.
Following the operation, he devoted himself to rehabilitation, practicing late into the night with the help of nurses. After a year of effort, he made his comeback in episode 53. The first hospital had told him that returning to work was impossible, and when he requested a transfer, they refused to release him or even share his medical information. He was only able to switch hospitals after being told, “We can’t help you any further.” His injury had been severe enough that the broken bone had pierced muscle, and there were discussions about replacing him as the lead. Ultimately, the production introduced Rider No. 2 instead of replacing Fujioka entirely. Even though the accident could have left him unable to walk, his determination to return to Kamen Rider seems to have played a major role in his remarkable recovery.
10th place: Yuzuki Fuuka
Fuuka Yuzuki is a stage actress who previously performed as a member of the idol group 3B Junior. In 2016, she suffered a serious injury—a blowout fracture of the floor of her left eye—after a fall during rehearsals for the stage production “Peter Pan.” While practicing a wire stunt, she fell from a height of about three meters. She was supposed to stop at around one meter, but due to an error by stage staff, she dropped all the way to the floor. She struck her face hard and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where she was admitted.
Yuzuki was later transferred from a hospital in Osaka to one in Tokyo, where she underwent surgery and was discharged about two weeks afterward. By 2017, she had returned to the stage, playing Éponine in “Les Misérables.” In 2022, she was ranked number one among stage actresses, showing how strongly her career had recovered. She has also been cast as Yor Forger in the musical adaptation of the popular series “SPY×FAMILY.” Known for her disciplined and hardworking nature, she has said, “Right now, the stage and acting are my passion, more than anything else.” Her future performances are highly anticipated.
9th place: Hideki Saijo
Hideki Saijo, a singer known as one of the “New Big Three,” experienced a cerebral infarction in 2001 and went on to suffer six more brain-related hemorrhages. Even while dealing with aftereffects, he continued performing concerts right up until shortly before his passing in 2018. Although he recovered from the 2001 stroke without lasting issues, a second episode in 2003 left him struggling to speak clearly. After leaving the hospital, he committed himself to rehabilitation—practicing with disposable chopsticks held between his molars and working on tongue exercises—and made an impressive comeback.
In 2011, he experienced his sixth episode, which made it difficult for him to move his legs, but with repeated rehabilitation he regained enough strength to perform 80 concerts in 2012. In 2014, he was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, an incurable condition. As the illness affected his nerves, walking became harder, but with constant support from his family he continued pushing himself through rehabilitation, going to the gym five times a week by 2015. Then, in April 2018—just two weeks after a concert in Ashikaga—he collapsed at home and passed away from acute heart failure. About 10,000 fans reportedly attended his funeral, filling the area with shouts of “Hideki!” Even after his passing, memorial events are still held regularly, and fans continue to visit.
8th place: Ichikawa Somegoro
Ichikawa Somegoro VIII (Fujima Sai), a kabuki actor whose father is Matsumoto Koshiro and whose aunt is Matsu Takako, was seriously injured in 2012 after falling into a stage pit during a performance held in honor of his father’s 70th birthday. He sustained injuries including bruising on the right side of his head and body, as well as a fracture in his right hand. When the accident occurred, he was bleeding from his head, and his father later recalled, “It felt like everything was covered in blood. I feared the worst.” Fortunately, the most serious outcomes were avoided, and 51 days later Somegoro held a press conference to reassure everyone of his safety.
The cause of the accident was believed to be that a stage platform that should have been raised simply wasn’t, causing Somegoro to fall without noticing the gap. At the time, he had been cast in an important role and was following an intense schedule, rehearsing one production during the day and performing in another at night. One staff member commented, “I couldn’t believe he was doing another show after that rehearsal—it was such a demanding schedule.” Despite the severity of his injuries, he returned to filming a TV drama four months later. The following year, he resumed performing in kabuki, and as of 2025 he remains active on stage, widely known as the “Prince of Kabuki.”
7th place: Razor Ramon HG
Razor Ramon HG is a comedian and former pro wrestler who seriously injured his left heel during a match in 2009—an accident so severe that at one point there were concerns he might lose the leg. Because part of the skin on his heel became damaged, he had to undergo two skin-graft surgeries. He was finally discharged eight months later, but during that long recovery he couldn’t work, and his monthly income dropped to only 7,000 yen. At the time, he relied on the support of his wife, Anna Sumiya.
Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, the injury was slow to heal, and there were still fears that he might need major surgery. Fortunately, with steady treatment and medication, his condition improved, and he eventually reached the point where he could swim as long as he used a protective cover for his leg. As of 2025, he appears on television in a more low-key style compared to his earlier, flashy comedy persona. He also works as a model, and although he now comes across as much gentler than in his peak years, he seems to be doing well and staying healthy.
6th place: Shota Yasuda
Shota Yasuda, the main vocalist of SUPER EIGHT, underwent surgery in 2017 to remove a meningioma, a type of brain tumor. The operation was successful, and although he still experiences after-effects such as dizziness, he has returned to performing. After noticing unusual symptoms, he went in for a detailed exam that revealed an 8-centimeter tumor. While benign, it was pressing on his brain and blood vessels, so he chose to have it removed. The surgery lasted 12 hours. At the time, he didn’t reveal that he had undergone the procedure and returned to work just one month later.
Following the surgery, he became sensitive to changes in light, which triggered seizures. To manage this, he avoided bright environments as much as possible, and sunglasses became a daily necessity. He also experienced a fall caused by dizziness, resulting in fractures in his back and hips, which took three months to heal. About a year and a half after the surgery, he decided to share his condition publicly and stop trying to hide what he was going through. Yasuda has said it was painful to step away from his favorite hobby, scuba diving, but by adjusting his lifestyle, he gradually regained stability and was able to move forward again.
5th place: Sugi-chan
Sugichan, a comedian known for his energetic and fearless personality, suffered a serious injury in 2012 while filming a special program. He jumped into a pool from a height of 10 meters and sustained a burst fracture of his 12th thoracic vertebra, which required about three months to fully heal. The jump took place at the Chiba International Swimming Center under the guidance of an instructor, but after surfacing, he felt severe lower back pain and was unable to get out of the pool. He was hospitalized for roughly a month and given a three-month recovery period.
Although there were initial concerns about lasting effects, he fortunately avoided any neurological damage and recovered fully. The incident drew criticism online, with many questioning the need for such a risky stunt. Sugichan reportedly responded, “I wanted to do a job that would put my body on the line.” At the time, there were also rumors that he was worried about running out of material and uncertain about his future as a comedian. Following the incident, his national TV appearances became less frequent, but he continues to appear on television and social media, maintaining his wild persona. He now travels around Japan to promote himself at events, appears on local shows in his hometown of Aichi, and reportedly earns around 1 million yen per month.
4th place: Tsunku
Tsunku, a musician and entertainment producer, was diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer in 2014 and began treatment soon after. He initially pursued chemotherapy and went into remission six months later, but the cancer returned the following month. He then opted for surgery, which included the removal of his vocal cords. He made this difficult decision to prioritize his life, motivated by a strong desire to be there for his young daughter and see what the future held for her.
At first, Tsunku communicated through writing, and his 3-year-old daughter quickly learned hiragana so they could exchange messages. Over time, he became accustomed to rehabilitation after surgery and learned to speak using esophageal speech. To maintain his overall health, he follows a balanced diet and regularly visits specialists. As of 2025, although he can no longer perform with his original voice, he has developed a new way of expressing music. Beyond music, he is active in producing stage and film projects, aiming to “deliver inspiration through entertainment that goes beyond music alone.” He continues to work energetically, saying, “Even if you’ve lost your voice, there are countless ways to convey your feelings.”
3rd place: Tsukasa Saito
Tsuyoshi Saito, the comedian from the duo Trendy Angel, was injured in 2020 while filming the Fuji TV program Denjiro THE Experiment, suffering a compression fracture of the spine and a sprained right wrist. He was expected to take about three months to recover. During the program, an experiment tested whether an airbag under the seat would lift someone off the ground. Saito was raised over a meter and landed on his right hand, hitting his lower back hard. He wore a supportive corset and recovered at home without being hospitalized.
The incident drew strong reactions online:
“Fuji TV has caused serious accidents and shows no remorse.”
“There are so many risky experiments on Professor Denjiro’s show; I knew something like this would happen.”
During his initial recovery, Saito had difficulty turning in bed, could barely eat, and mostly rested while taking medication. After returning home, he underwent a detailed examination at a Tokyo hospital, which confirmed that his nerves were unharmed. A month later, he updated his Instagram to share that he was “even able to dance again,” using dance as part of his rehabilitation. Fans responded with relief and encouragement, posting comments like, “So glad to see you recovering!”
2nd place: Hori Chiemi
Chiemi Hori, an idol singer known as part of the “Flower Class of ’82,” was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer in 2019. She underwent reconstructive surgery after 60% of her tongue was removed. As of 2025, she has recovered enough to hold concerts. Hori initially noticed a lump on her tongue and assumed it was a simple mouth ulcer, so she took vitamins. Early examinations did not detect the cancer, but the pain worsened to the point where she couldn’t sleep. A thorough check eventually revealed that the disease had already reached stage 4.
The surgery left her unable to speak or eat normally at first, which caused her to feel depressed. Over time, her mood shifted, and she dedicated herself to rehabilitation with the goal of returning to everyday life. Her vocal technique had changed after the surgery, and it took time to adjust, but she practiced while doing daily tasks like cleaning and cooking. Determined not to let negativity take over, she refocused her mindset and aimed to return to the entertainment industry. Although she faced moments of doubt, support from her family helped her continue rehabilitation, eventually regaining her ability to sing. In February 2024, she announced that she had been cured of tongue cancer, and in May 2024, she released her new song “FUWARI,” steadily resuming her singing career.
1st place: Ken Watanabe
Ken Watanabe, the internationally renowned actor known for “The Last Samurai,” was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 1989. He collapsed during filming of “Heaven and Earth,” which was set to be his first starring role, and was rushed to the hospital. His condition was life-threatening, but after treatment, he managed to return to work. Watanabe has said that the pain of treatment sometimes made him contemplate giving up, but he never lost hope and eventually recovered enough to be temporarily discharged.
He stepped away from acting and underwent a year of chemotherapy. Despite having only a 50% chance of survival, he overcame the illness and returned to acting. At a 1990 press conference marking his return, he appeared extremely thin and had lost all his hair due to the chemotherapy. He returned to the stage in 1993 for the NHK drama “Honoo Tatsu,” but in 1994 his leukemia recurred, and he also contracted hepatitis C, making treatment extremely challenging. He fought through these difficulties with chemotherapy and made a second comeback in 1995.
In 2016, Watanabe was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He underwent surgery and returned to work successfully. Around this time, personal challenges arose when news of an affair surfaced. His wife, Kaho Minami, was battling breast cancer, and the situation eventually led to their divorce in 2018.
Watanabe remarried his former partner in 2023 and, as of now, shows no signs of illness, continuing to lead an active personal and professional life.